Full Notification

As a result of a recent spike in thefts from vehicles, The Beverly Hills Police Department is encouraging all residents to secure their cars. In recent thefts, it was found that the suspects are not breaking car windows or using “shaved” keys to enter the cars, but rather they are simply opening unlocked car doors and removing valuables that are in plain sight. On one occasion, suspects located the keys in the car and drove off with the car.

If you park behind a large gate or a secure subterranean garage, you still need to lock your car doors. It’s important that you protect your property and make it as difficult as possible for the criminals who are looking for the path of least resistance. Most of these crimes have occurred in the middle of the night or early morning hours. All it takes is a few seconds to lock your door and roll up your windows to prevent becoming a victim.

We recommend not leaving valuables in your car such as laptops, cell phones, briefcases and purses. If you do want to leave valuables in the trunk, place them in the trunk before you arrive at your destination. There is no need to show someone who may be watching what you are placing in your trunk. The criminals know that items that you place in your trunk are valuable and will typically enter your car and go straight to the trunk.

Most cars have a remote trunk bypass switch that will prevent the opening of the trunk from an interior button or switch. If this switch is activated, the criminal will not be able to open the trunk from the interior of the car. Please refer to your owner’s manual to locate the trunk bypass switch.

If you have any further questions, or if you are interested in starting or reactivating your neighborhood watch program, please feel free to call Community Relations Sergeant Max Subin at 310-288-2616 or email him at: [email protected].