Windhover Condo Neighborhood Watch

Our Info: Newsletters > EMAIL Saturday, March 24, 2008 Car Break In Alert! #2 !

EMAIL Saturday, March 24, 2008 Car Break In Alert! #2 !

Apr 02, 2008

Attention Neighborhood Watchers

Attention Neighborhood Watchers!

Last night, Sunday March 23rd or early Monday Morning (today) a Honda Civic was stolen, in order to steal it a secondary car was broken into in order to steal the car battery. The thief did make it away with the first Honda Civic. This occurred outside Building #7 on Windhover Drive - the police were notified this morning when the vehicle was noticed missing. If anyone has any potential info about the auto theft/stolen car battery please contact the Police ASAP.

So far in 48 hours:

1 Stolen Car

1 Break in to steal a car battery

2 break ins to steal cars but thieves were arrested on the spot

Please make sure all valuables are removed from your car ASAP and take any additional precautions you can think of.

If you have an outside laundry room, make sure that is locked too!

Below is a map of the latest car theft. (Building 7)

Taking precautionary measures can minimize your chances of becoming the victim of auto theft.

In the United States a vehicle is stolen an average of every 21 minutes. Not only does auto theft costs the victim time and money, but it cost society, because it drives insurance premiums up and many times stolen vehicles are used to commit other crimes.

Car thefts seem to occur with greater frequency where large groups of cars are parked for extended periods of time in places such as shopping centers, colleges, sporting events, movie complexes, and large apartment complexes, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Car thefts can occur anytime -- at random on different days of the week and times of the day, depending on the locations.

Below are some tips you can use to avoid being the victim of a car thief:

Never leave your car running unattended, even to dash into a business, store, etc.;

Never leave any keys in the car or ignition, inside a locked garage, or in hide-a-key boxes;

Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked in front of your home;

Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked.

Put them in the trunk out of sight;

Always park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas, when possible;

Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or brakes. These devices will deter some criminals;

Investigate the purchase of a vehicle theft tracking/security system, especially if you own one of the frequently stolen model vehicles;

Never leave personal identification documents, vehicle ownership title, or credit cards in your vehicle;

If you must leave your key with a valet, attendant, or mechanic leave only the ignition key. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable firm.

In high theft areas the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should be etched on windows, doors, fenders and trunk lid. This makes it difficult for a thief to market your stolen car parts.

Copy your license plate and vehicle information (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with you. If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need this information to take a report; and,

Many vehicles today come with some type of security system from the factory. Normally there are upgraded systems available if you ask. The best choice are systems that shut off the fuel supply so that a car can't be started or driven.

If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police immediately.

Source: http://crime.about.com/od/prevent/qt/prevention_auto.htm

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