Full Notification

The Union City Police Department wishes you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season. The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crimes. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors.

Today’s safety tips are directed at preventing vehicle burglaries. The last thing you need is to find your vehicle’s window broken or items missing. The Union City Police Department suggests taking these simple, but important steps to maintain your car’s safety:

- Don’t leave valuables in your car. That sounds like common sense, but drivers/passengers do leave items of value in plain view every day. If you leave valuable items visible in your car, your car is automatically a target.

- If you must leave valuable items in your car while out and about, place items out of sight before reaching your destination or move them inconspicuously.

- Once home, unload your valuables immediately. Do not store valuables in your car any longer than necessary, and certainly never overnight.

- Try to park in busy, well-lighted areas, or in your garage (if you have one).

- Raise your windows and lock ALL of your vehicle’s doors even if you plan to be gone for only a brief time. Every week, items are stolen from unlocked vehicles where the owner expected to be away for “just a second.” Thieves often target vehicles at gas stations or parents dropping their children off at daycare centers and schools.

- Do not leave keys in your vehicle. This makes your car an easy target for getting stolen.

- Set any alarm or anti-theft device. If you have one, use it! Many people believe that car alarms no longer make a difference, but they can be an effective deterrent to an auto burglar.

- Don’t think your dark tinted windows will hide your valuables. Thieves often use flashlights to see through tint, and after-market tint is handy to keep all the broken glass in one “sheet” when they break out your window.

- Slow Down and use common sense before you leave your car. Taking just an extra moment to make sure you’re not forgetting any of the above tips, may prevent your vehicle from getting targeted.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE IS BURGLARIZED:
As soon as you notice your vehicle has been burglarized, do not touch/adjust anything in, on or around the car. As soon as possible, call the police to report the incident.

If you need to leave or prefer to report your vehicle burglary online, you can go to http://www.unioncity.org/ to file a report.

If you see suspicious activity, call the Union City Police Department immediately at (510) 471-1365.

Happy Holidays !