Automobile Safety
ur cars are very important to us and we want to be safe both while we are in them and when the cars are not in use. The SSCPC provides the following information, liberally borrowed from the Seattle Police Department's webpage "Auto Theft Prevention (seattle.gov/police/prevention/auto)," to advise folks of this disturbing type of property crime:
UNDERSTANDING AUTO THEFT
Many auto thefts are crimes of "opportunity." Leaving the keys in your car (even a "hidden" spare key) greatly increases your chances of having your car stolen.
Leaving your vehicle unoccupied with the engine running, even for a minute, is illegal in itself; but it greatly increases the chance that your car will be stolen. It is truly a helpless feeling to watch your car being driven away by a total stranger as you stand 10 feet away at an ATM or mailbox. Take your keys with you even for quick trips. Needless to say, this is especially true if you have children or pets in the vehicle.
UNDERSTANDING AUTO THEFT
Many auto thefts are crimes of "opportunity." Leaving the keys in your car (even a "hidden" spare key) greatly increases your chances of having your car stolen.
Leaving your vehicle unoccupied with the engine running, even for a minute, is illegal in itself; but it greatly increases the chance that your car will be stolen. It is truly a helpless feeling to watch your car being driven away by a total stranger as you stand 10 feet away at an ATM or mailbox. Take your keys with you even for quick trips. Needless to say, this is especially true if you have children or pets in the vehicle.
- More than two thirds of all auto thefts occur at night
- Approximately 86% of the stolen vehicles are recovered
- While some vehicles are definitely stolen to be sold, or dismantled for parts, the large majority are simply used as temporary transportation by common criminals; thus, most vehicles are recovered within a few weeks to a month and with relatively little damage
- Auto theft happens fast--an expert auto thief can break into and steal a car in less than a minute; an unoccupied car, with it's engine running, can be taken in seconds
- Leaving your car unlocked or the windows down
- Leaving your keys in the car or a spare key hidden in the car
- Leaving your car unattended
- Parking in poorly lit places with low visability
- Leaving valuables and packages in your car
- Cars not protected with an anti-theft device
AUTOMOBILE SAFETY
- Park in well-lit areas and open spaces when shopping, running errands, etc.
- If you must, park on the street in a spot where the car is easily visible from a window
- Consider replacing the light fixture closest to your car with a motion-detection light
- If possible, store your car in a closed, locked garage
- Make a habit of locking the car doors while car is parked in your own garage
- Always approach your vehicle with your car keys in hand; look around your car before entering and exiting
- If possible, park in commercial lots which have attendants
- Roll up windows, remove car keys, and lock doors when exiting a parked car
- If your car stereo has a removable face, always take this with you when exiting your car
- Do not store your vehicle registration in the car's glove box--keep it at home and carry a copy in your wallet
- Never leave cash, important documents, or other valuables in your car
- Never leave iPods, cell phones, other electronic equipment in plain view in your car
- Make a habit of putting everything you can in the car trunk
- Don't hide spare keys in your car
- Consider adding a car alarm system
- Consider adding lockable lug nuts to wheels and tires
- If someone loiters near your car, you walk a safe distance away until the loiterer leaves
- Be cautious when people ask for directions or want to hand out flyers
- Never leave your car idling--whether you are in the car or not
- While pumping gas, never leave you keys in the car and avoid leaving your doors unlocked
- Do not assist strangers on the road--call for help while remaining safely in your car
- Trust your instincts--do not leave your vehicle until you feel safe to do so
IF YOUR STOLEN CAR IS RECOVERED...
Prior to using it, it is always a good idea to carefully examine your recovered stolen vehicle for property that does not belong to you, which may be evidence of other crimes. Also, you may want to search your vehicle's interior carefully (using a flashlight) to make sure drugs, drug paraphernalia, or dangerous objects such as syringes, have not been left behind. To turn over any evidence or contraband to the police, call the Non-Emergency number, (206) 625-5011, and be sure to have your Seattle Police Incident Number handy to give to the Operator.
AVOIDING CAR VANDALISM...
Many of the same tips to avoid auto theft are advisable for avoiding car vandalism, especially keeping electronics and other valuables safely out-of-sight in a parked vehicle, keeping car doors and windows shut and locked, parking in well-lit areas when away from one's residence. It is also advisable to invest in run-flat tires to avoid the likelihood of being stranded by a flat or slashed tire.
Prior to using it, it is always a good idea to carefully examine your recovered stolen vehicle for property that does not belong to you, which may be evidence of other crimes. Also, you may want to search your vehicle's interior carefully (using a flashlight) to make sure drugs, drug paraphernalia, or dangerous objects such as syringes, have not been left behind. To turn over any evidence or contraband to the police, call the Non-Emergency number, (206) 625-5011, and be sure to have your Seattle Police Incident Number handy to give to the Operator.
AVOIDING CAR VANDALISM...
Many of the same tips to avoid auto theft are advisable for avoiding car vandalism, especially keeping electronics and other valuables safely out-of-sight in a parked vehicle, keeping car doors and windows shut and locked, parking in well-lit areas when away from one's residence. It is also advisable to invest in run-flat tires to avoid the likelihood of being stranded by a flat or slashed tire.