12/10/2024
Peoria Police would like to remind residents to lock ALL unoccupied vehicles at ALL times. Vehicle thefts and burglaries know no geographical boundaries.
Now that the temperature is dropping, car thieves are looking for vehicles left unattended with the keys inside while WARMING UP. Don't be left without your car.
Please remember, that you should LOCK your vehicles at ALL times.
Other vehicle burglary/theft prevention tips:
• LOCK your vehicle, residence, garage, etc.
• Never leave your vehicle running with the key in the car. If your vehicle is equipped with a proximity key fob and the car is left running, the car can still be driven until the vehicle is turned off from inside the vehicle.
• You may also consider using a visual anti-theft device like a steering wheel lock.
• If the vehicle is equipped with GPS tracking through the manufacturer (i.e. OnStar), consider keeping the paid subscription once the trial period has ended. These systems are fairly accurate and can speed up the recovery of the vehicle.
• DO NOT tempt a thief! Even if your car is locked, the only thing stopping a thief from stealing your valuables is a window smash away – if you must store valuables in the vehicle, do not leave them in plain view.
• DO NOT leave spare vehicle keys inside the vehicle. If you are a multiple car owner, do not leave a spare key to other vehicles in your car.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• If your residence has a garage, park your vehicle inside the garage and still take all keys and valuables with you.
• Common items stolen in vehicle burglaries: cellphones, laptops, iPods, iPads, wallets, purses, loose change, GPS devices – or otherwise small, easily concealed items.
• Report suspicious behaviors, people, and/or vehicles.
• DO NOT leave fi****ms in vehicles unsecured.
• Look out for your neighbors - if you see something suspicious around their home/vehicles – call 9-1-1.
What to do if you see a suspicious person or activity:
• Call 9-1-1. Report what you see. Describe the subject. What is he/she wearing? Are they on foot? Where do you see them? Any information you can give the dispatcher will be helpful to the responding officer.
Remember, vehicle burglaries are almost always a crime of opportunity. Do not make a thief’s job easier by leaving your vehicle unlocked.
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