Full Notification

DON’T BE THE NEXT VICTIM of a theft from your vehicle.  There are things you can do to help yourself avoid being a victim of theft. 

Bad guys are looking for simple targets. It doesn’t matter what is in your car -- if it’s valuable or not valuable.  If bad guys can see it, they’re going to take it and think about it later. The bad guys will break your windows almost as easy as if opening an unlocked vehicle.  A person should hide their items every time.

Deterring theft from autos, like all crime prevention, involves limiting the criminal’s ability and/or opportunity to commit the crime. With very little time and effort, you can make a huge difference in your vulnerability from a theft.

Don t be a victim.  It takes 30 seconds for a thief to break into your car and steal your valuables.

It takes 20 seconds for you to move your valuables into your trunk where they are out of sight.  Better yet, take them with you.  Don t leave valuables in your car.

Mark your valuables.  Inscribe/engrave a personal identifier on all valuables.  In case they are stolen, they will be easier to recover.

The very best prevention is people looking after themselves and their community.  

THEFT FROM VEHICLE TIPS

Lock your vehicle doors and windows.  Even if you are gone for 5 minutes.  It takes only 30 seconds for a thief to break into your car and steal your valuables.

Remove all items from the inside of the car.  If you must leave valuable items in your car, place items out of sight before reaching your destination or move them inconspicuously.  An opportunistic thief is on the lookout for “trunk-packing,” and can break into your car the minute you’re out of sight.

Park in well-lit, well-traveled areas.  This helps deter thieves by being more visible.  Thieves prefer breaking into cars where they will not observed or attract notice, and choose their targets accordingly.

Park your vehicle in the garage if you have one.  The last thing you need is to find your vehicle s window broken or items missing.

Set any alarm or anti-theft device. If you have one, use it! They can be an effective deterrent to an auto-burglar, who most often chooses the easiest target.

Don t use “hide-a-keys.” Thieves know the best places to hide those.

Do NOT confront anyone.

Your life is precious.

Property can be replaced.

Be ALERT, be AWARE,

And be prepared to

be a GOOD WITNESS.

If you see something,

SAY something!  

Prepared by : LET Heather Fuquay

Media Release Date: March 18, 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