Burglary from Vehicles
Vehicle Security Information

by Wendy Rosen

The following article comes to us courtesy of the "Canyon Echos," a monthly publication of the Upper Mandeville Canyon Property Owners Association (UMCA) in West Los Angeles.

Ms. Rosen noted that the tips and suggestions come directly from LAPD:

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Burglary from Vehicles:
Vehicle Security Information

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In July 2003, 152 people reported property stolen from their vehicles in West Los Angeles. In the majority of these cases, the vehicle owners left their property in plain view.

One third of these crimes occurred because the victim left his or her vehicle doors unlocked or the windows down. In such cases, the victims report the loss of purses, laptop computers, clothes, backpacks, briefcases, sunglasses, luggage, and ashtray change.

West Los Angeles is a great area, inhabited with good hard working people. That is why criminals historically travel here from other areas. If someone really wants to break into your car, they will. But you can reduce the likelihood by following these LAPD suggestions:

	Don’t tempt criminals and opportunists by leaving valuable property in plain sight. Thieves usually target vehicles in carports and subterranean garages during late night and early morning hours. They look for property in unattended vehicles with flashlights while you sleep.
	If you go to a fitness center or on a hike, the criminals know that you put your purse or wallet under the car seat, in the trunk, or under a coat inside the car. They also know that you won’t be back for a while. Travel light. Put your driver’s license, a credit card and some money in your pocket.
	Don’t leave your car keys unattended at the park or on the side of the basketball court. Thieves will take your keys while you’re distracted and find your car in the parking lot by pressing your remote.
	When you go to the gas station, lock your car and take your purse before going to the pay window.
	Criminals will break into your car to look for your cell phone if you leave your phone headset and/or charging cord in plain view.
	If your vehicle has high dollar factory (BMW, Mercedez, Escalade, etc.) or aftermarket wheels, use wheel locks. Thieves will find another victim rather than make the noise necessary to remove the wheels. Hide the key to the wheel lock. Don’t leave it in your console or glove box because that’s where the thieves will look.
	If you tandem park, criminals know you leave the other vehicle’s keys in the car parked in front. Car burglars will not only steal your stuff but they will take your car if you leave the valet key in the console.