Lock it or Lose It Summer Crime Prevention; Simple tips to protect personal property & prevent theft from vehicles
Manhattan Beach Police Department is reminding residents to “Lock it or Lose it” to help prevent theft from motor vehicles. According to statistics, almost every theft from a vehicle in Manhattan Beach was likely because the victim left valuables in plain view and/or in an unlocked car. During the last 3 months (April, May and June), thirty eight (38) crimes involving thefts from vehicles were reported to the police department and thirty seven (37) of those were from unlocked vehicles or the property stolen was left in plain view. Due to the startling number of these preventable crimes (97%) MBPD is alerting residents to “Lock it or Lose it.”
It takes less than 30 seconds to break into a car, grab what is in plain view, check the usual hiding places (glove box, center console & under the seat) and get away. Theft prevention like all crime prevention, involves limiting the criminal’s opportunity to commit crime. With very little effort, residents and visitors can make a huge difference in not only reducing, but preventing crime.
The principle behind “Lock it or Lose it” is clear; protect your personal property.
Here are a few simple tips to help prevent crime:
- LOCK your vehicle at all times.
- TAKE your personal property with you. Don’t leave items in plain view.
- LEAVE no trace or sign of electronics, such as docking stations or connector cables.
- REMOVE your third row seats and store them in a locked garage.
- DON’T leave packages or shopping bags visible in your car.
- UNLOAD your car immediately when you get home. Do not leave items in your car overnight.
- SET your alarm or anti-theft device.
The message of “Lock it or Lose it” also applies to residential-related crime in Manhattan Beach. During the same time period, twenty one (21) residential burglaries were reported due to bicycles and other valuables stolen from open or unlocked garages. These twenty one crimes may never have taken place had the garages been secured. To reduce residential crime, secure your home whenever you leave, even if it’s for just a few minutes.
Get involved in Neighborhood Watch by calling (310) 802-5184 and you can make a difference.
Address/Location
City of Manhattan Beach
420 15th St
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 310-545-4566