PREVENT CAR BREAK-INS
Prepared by APD Neighborhood Crime Watch Nov. 2006

No neighborhood is immune from car-break ins.  It happens all over town.  Most often, car break-ins occur during the early morning hours when the risk of discovery is low.  Persons who commit these types of crimes can be juveniles on a dare, or addicts desperate for something to trade or pawn to support their habits.

Tips:

• Secure your vehicle safely in the garage OR park your vehicle as close to the residence as possible.  If you park on the street, park in an area with good visibility and lighting.
  If you rent, report lighting/security problems to your landlord or property manager. 
  
• Do not leave anything in your vehicle that would tempt somebody to break in.  Remove valuables or secure them out of sight in your trunk. 
• If your car stereo has a removable face plate, remove it.  Do not leave CDs in the car.
• Lock your car doors.  Some thieves go from car to car trying doors.  Chances are they will simply move on to the next car.  Unlocked vehicles provide places for people to sleep, hide, or engage in drug activity.
• DO NOT confront the suspect.  DO NOT compromise your safety.  If you  are   in a car, flashing your high beams or honking your horn is enough to alert him of your  presence.   People will likely not commit crime when they know someone is watching.
• Develop a telephone or e-mail “tree” of neighbors or tenants wishing to participate in a Neighborhood Hood or Apartment Watch effort.  Notify each other of criminal and suspicious activity so all can be aware and alert and take precautions. 

REPORTING:

786-8600  Report car break-ins (after the fact) to APD.  You can make a report over the phone by calling the Records Section at 786-8600 or reporting on line at muni.org/apd. If you rent, also report the incident to the property manager and notify other tenants.  They may have seen or heard something. 

9-1-1  Crimes in progress.  Be prepared to give description of the person(s), vehicle, license plate number.