Motor Vehicle Burglary Prevention – Best Practices Do NOT Include Leaving Your Keys and Handguns In Unlocked Cars .

HIDE…valuables from site; even better, take all items of value with you. If a criminal doesn’t see anything, they’re less likely to break in to your vehicle and will proceed to the next vehicle to “window shop”. Remember to hide valuables before parking and leaving your vehicle. Give a would-be thief absolutely no reason to burglarize your car. Remember – It all starts with YOU!

LOCK…your vehicle. Yes, it only takes seconds to break a window, but doing so makes noise – and criminals hate noise. Locking your vehicle also means “securing” your vehicle. You also want to make sure that all windows are rolled up before locking your vehicle. Also, if you have a car alarm please make sure it is working properly – and use it!

TAKE…your keys. Unfortunately, it is still common practice for individuals to leave their keys in their car and/or in the ignition when unattended. NLCRPD officers often come across unattended vehicles with the keys in the ignition and engine running. This is not only bad practice, but it is a violation of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code.

*Remember there is no 100% fool-proof way to prevent all crime. You can make yourself less likely to be a victim of Motor Vehicle Burglary by following the above practices and using common sense. Simply locking your vehicle and removing property is half the battle!