"Lock your car!"
For some, that tiny phrase might sound slightly obvious and maybe even insulting because of its simplicity. However, these three words cannot be emphasized enough, according to the Gainesville Police Department.
According to a 2008 study of vehicle burglaries in Gainesville, 60 percent involved unlocked or unsecured vehicles with valuables left in plain view. In 2009, that number rose to 66 percent.
GPD's Crime Prevention Unit launched a public education and crime prevention program, "Lock It or Lose it", to remind citizens that many vehicle burglaries can be prevented by simply locking vehicle doors and not leaving items of value in plain view.
The Crime Prevention Unit has compiled a list of suggestions for anyone looking to help prevent possible vehicle burglary.
- Be sure to roll up windows and always lock all doors when exiting your vehicle. Think: "Lock it or lose it."
- Physically check your vehicle doors before you leave to ensure that you closed them completely and that you did in fact lock it.
- Never leave valuables such as purses, wallets, cell phones, computers, loose change, GPS systems or CDs in the passenger compartment of your vehicle. The trunk is a more secure place to store these items. If you choose to keep your valuables in your trunk, deactivate the interior trunk release.
- Put away any charging cables. Even if the criminal can't see the valuable item, the charger may send a signal to the criminal that the valuable item is somewhere in the car.
- If your car stereo has a detachable faceplate, be sure to detach it and store it in a secure place.
- Remember that a loud car stereo is not only illegal, but it advertises your sound system to criminals.
- Park in well lit, well traveled areas, away from shrubbery that would obscure the view to your vehicle.
- If you use an interior windshield sunshade, be sure to park in a manner that does not limit the view inside your vehicle, such as backing against a solid wall.
- If you have a car alarm, use it.
- If you have a garage, use it.
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