Vehicle break-ins are again on the rise within the cities we serve. While there is no fool-proof way to protect your vehicle against a break-in, there are ways to deter potential criminals from making you the next victim. According to LAPDonline.org, the average cost of a vehicle break-in to each victim is roughly $1885.00. Please read the following target-hardening tips to learn simple ways to protect yourself.
Lock your doors
Up to a quarter of vehicle thefts are from unlocked cars, according to some law enforcement agencies.
Conceal all the evidence
Remove cell phones, wallets, digital stereos, cameras, purses, etc. Even items such as cell phone chargers and the tell-tale suction cup markings from a GPS unit alert potential criminals that valuables may be hidden inside the vehicle.
Stash before you park, not after
Thieves often watch vehicles as they are parking to see if the driver appears to be hiding valuables inside the car- try to take these items with you instead of leaving them inside your vehicle.
Get an alarm
If you don't have an alarm system, get one. The noise alone may be enough to scare away an inexperienced thief and prevent the break-in.
Park for visibility
Park in a busy, well-lit area, and avoid concealment from larger vehicles, fences, or foliage.
Prepared by : LET Heather Fuquay
Media Release Date: March 4, 2015
* Lost Hills Sheriff's Station polices the Cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Malibu and Westlake Village, and the unincorporated communities of Chatsworth Lake Manor, Malibu Lake, Topanga, and West Hills: For further information contact: Malibu / Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department 27050 Agoura Road Agoura, CA 91301 (818) 878-1808 Website: www.LostHills.lasd.org LASD HQ Text and Emails: http://www.Nixle.com http://nixle.com/lasd---malibulost-hills-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LostHillsSheriffsStation Twitter https://twitter.com/LHSLASD
