From the sheriff’s office!
Last Friday, we had four vehicle burglaries in the Englewood area. We have video of the people pulling on door handles until they found an unlocked vehicle. Proving that locking your vehicle is the best way to protect it. They were able to steal credit cards and wallets along with a gun left in a vehicle. They also stole an unlocked car in an open garage; yes, the keys were left in it.
Auto Theft Prevention Tips
You Can Prevent Auto Theft
Most cars are taken by amateurs who can be stopped fairly easily. You can increase your protection against this type of crime by taking the following sensible precautions:
Lock up
- An unlocked car is an open invitation to a thief. Lock up when you leave your car and take the keys with you.
- Lock the trunk or tailgate.
- Close all windows — professional thieves have tools that unlock cars through the smallest openings.
When you park the car, remove cellular phones and other valuable possessions. Do not leave gift-wrapped packages or other items lying on the seat. Lock all valuables in your trunk or take them with you.
- Lock your car even if you are making a quick stop at the gas station, convenience store, or mini mall.
Park carefully
- Never attach a tag with your name and address to your key ring. If the keys are lost or stolen, the tag will lead the thief directly to your car and your home. If you must leave your keys with a parking attendant, leave only the ignition key.
- At night, park in well-lit areas with lots of people around.
- Turn wheels sharply toward the curb when parking. This makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow your car.
Operation ID
- Record your vehicle identification number (located on a small metal plate on the dashboard) and store it in a safe place or take a picture.
- Keep the vehicle registration in your wallet or purse, not in your car.
Use anti-theft devices
- When buying a car, check the manufacturer’s list of anti-theft options.
- Consider the purchase and installation of security devices, such as
- Second ignition switch or “kill switch” to prevent electrical current from reaching the coil distributor
- Locking gas cap
- Alarm device to activate a siren, horn or lights — or all three — to frighten the thief away
Car jacking
This violent, random form of auto theft is on the rise. A driver of any vehicle can be a target of someone with a weapon. It can happen anywhere, day or night. Here are some precautions:
- Keep your doors locked.
- Park in well-lit, busy areas.
- Be alert of your surroundings, of people approaching your vehicle.
- Stick with traffic, and avoid lightly traveled streets, especially after dark.
- Keep car and house keys on separate key chains.
- Keep the garage door opener in your purse or briefcase.
- When stopped in traffic, always leave enough room to make an emergency getaway.
- If someone threatens you with a weapon, give up the vehicle — it is not worth your life.
How to prevent theft of other motor vehicles
Thefts of motorcycles, boats, Golf Carts, and Trailbikes are also increasing. Many of the same precautions that apply to cars also apply to recreational vehicles.
Lock it
- Ensure all easy-to-carry items like motors, water skis, fishing equipment and camping gear are locked up before leaving your vehicle.
Chain it
- Vehicles carried on trailers should be secured with a strong chain and padlock.
- When the trailer is not attached to your car, secure it with a heavy chain and lock it to a stationary object.
Remember that the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is here to support you. We appreciate your help.
The telephone number or Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (941) 639-0013.
| Dominick V Ierfino #3412DFCCommunity PolicingCharlotte County Sheriff’s OfficeOffice: (941) 475-9005 ext 3124Mobile: (941) 626-6977Dierfino@ccsofl.netIntegrity • Professionalism • Trust |