Break the Triangle & Reduce Vehicle Thefts
It takes three elements to commit a crime – ability, desire and opportunity. However, it only takes eliminating one to break the triangle of crime. While ability and desire are outside our scope of control, we can eliminate opportunities for crime. Two of the most common crimes of opportunity are vehicle theft and burglaries from vehicles. With July being National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office is doing its part to reduce these crimes of opportunity by providing safety measures you can take to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
The #9pmroutine is a safety initiative created by PSO to reduce vehicle and burglary thefts in our communities. This daily reminder helps citizens develop the habit of locking their doors each night at 9 p.m. Although locking your doors is an excellent preventative measure, there are additional steps to help eliminate vehicle thefts and burglaries.
When parking your car, be mindful of where you place it, whether in a garage or an open area. Parking in a shaded area may shield you from the heat, but it also provides cover for criminals attempting to enter your car and obstructs security cameras. PSO recommends parking in a well-lit and highly visible area. Parking in a garage also makes your vehicle less accessible to criminal activity.
The expression “out of sight, out of mind” is particularly true regarding valuables. Removing items from your vehicle, such as purses, wallets, laptops, phones, or guns, can eliminate your chances of being targeted by potential criminals. When you leave your valuables in plain sight, you also risk your stolen items appearing in other crimes, like fraudulent credit card use. Develop the habit of removing all valuables from your car when leaving to keep them safe.
Many burglaries occur because individuals leave their cars unlocked. Locking your doors is crucial because potential criminals look for the easiest target. When doors are locked, and windows are closed, thieves are likelier to move on. For those who leave their garage opener inside their car, leaving your vehicle unlocked could give potential criminals access to the rest of your house. PSO also suggests ensuring your car’s alarm is functioning correctly. When the alarm sounds, criminals often run away to avoid being noticed.
A common issue causing vehicle theft is where people leave their key fob. Ensure it is removed from inside your vehicle, including the car door, even when parking in a garage. A popular feature in many cars is a keyless entry system that unlocks your car automatically when you are close by, so avoid leaving your key fob near your garage door or windows. Remember, keyless doesn’t mean careless.
Be vigilant, and remember, if you see something, say something! Rapid reporting can prevent crimes like vehicle theft. Provide the date and time you saw unusual activity and include as much information as possible to identify the suspect. Don’t hesitate to report any behavior that seems out of place. You could be protecting your friends, family and neighbors from becoming victims.
These easy steps can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of vehicle theft and burglaries. They can also bring peace of mind, so you can rest easy knowing your belongings are safe.
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