Car Burglaries on the Increase During Holiday Shopping Season
The Sheriff's office in Vermilion Parish has reported a rash of car burglaries in recent days. While that news is not good, we can't say that news is not unexpected. It is the holiday shopping season and the also means it's the holiday burglary season too.
Every year around late November and early December most municipalities report an increase in automobile break-ins and burglaries. The reason, there is a lot that can be stolen and in fact, can be stolen quite easily.
The problem is that we, me and you, tend to make stealing our stuff from our vehicles very easy for ne'er do wells to do. Many of us leave valuable items such as smartphones, computer tablets, laptops, and even money right there in a car.
To make matters worse, many of us don't even bother to lock the doors. By the way, locking your doors and taking your valuables out of your car is always a good idea. Still, like my Dad used to say, a lock will only keep an honest man out, a thief is going to find a way. That's why you want to carry all your stuff inside your home or office.
Vermilion Parish Sheriff Mike Couvillon released a statement yesterday addressing the recent uptick in car burglaries. The Sheriff also included a list of helpful reminders for those that don't want to have their belonging pilfered.
- If available, always park your vehicle in a locked garage.
- Always lock the doors to your vehicle, even when you away from the vehicle for just a short time.
- Remove all valuables from your vehicle. If you can’t take personal property with you, lock items in the trunk. Do not place them under the seat. This includes your purse or wallet, DVD’s, books, cash, keys, cell phone, iPod, laptop, garage door opener, gym bag, briefcase, jewelry, tools, packages, etc. If a thief breaks into your vehicle and steals your garage door opener and keys, they have access to your home.
- Do not leave any mail in your vehicle. These items have your name, address, and possibly contain personal financial information.
- Remove “pull out” style stereos and/or removable faceplates of stereos.
- Park in well-lit areas. At home, park your vehicle near porch lights if you cannot park in a garage.
- Install motion detection lights that will illuminate your driveway at night.
- Set any alarm or anti-theft device that is installed on your vehicle.
- Consider installing recorded video surveillance (which could be very valuable when something happens).
- Watch each other’s homes and property closely, reporting anything suspicious.
- Call the Sheriff’s office or your local law enforcement agency on any suspicious vehicles or person in the neighborhood always.
Sheriff Couvillon's lists of tips were compiled and published on the KATC website and we wanted to make sure that we shared them with you.
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