For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1300093 |
| Date Issued: | Aug 20, 2013 - 3:37pm |
|
|
|
Galena Vehicle burglaries a reminder for public to take appropriate steps to keep valuables and vehicles safe |
|
| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
The recent series of vehicle burglaries in the Galena area (see Washoe County Sheriff's press release #1300091 issued earlier today) is an important reminder to all County residents of some basic tips that should help keep their vehicles and valuables safer.
In most cases, vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Criminals look for easy targets such as unlocked cars or valuables left in plain sight.
Statistics show that unlocked cars are still a big issue. Remember to make sure doors are locked before you leave you vehicle.
It's also important not to leave any indication that there may be something worth stealing in a car by making sure that nothing of value, or any trace of valuables, is visible in the car.
The Sheriff's Office also advises against trying to hide purses, wallets or other valuables after parking a vehicle. If potential thieves are watching the parking lot, which is always a possibility, they'll know that something valuable is in the vehicle and exactly where it is hidden.
An overview of common vehicle burglary prevention tips include:
- Lock the door when leaving the car. Still one of the most common issues with vehicle burglaries
- Don't leave valuables in the car. If valuables must be left in a vehicle, be sure to lock them in the trunk or glove compartment not under jackets or blankets behind the seat as that is one of the first places criminals look
- If you need to leave valuable items in a vehicle, place them out of sight before reaching your destination
- Leave no trace. Don't leave any sign that there might be valuables hidden in a vehicle by leaving items such as docking stations or connector cables visible. Leave nothing in plain sight that might make the vehicle a target for thieves, not even loose coins or a CD.
- Be sure to set the car alarm or anti-theft devices. These are still effective deterrents against criminals who are looking for the easiest target
- Keep windows completely closed. Partially open windows may make your vehicle an easier target for thieves
Anyone who is a victim of a vehicle burglary, or observes suspicious activity, is urged to contact the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.