Police Remind Residents to 'Lock It or Lose It'

The once again wishes to remind residents to lock
their vehicles at all times.

Through the Lock It or Lose It campaign, the police department hopes to put out strong reminders on a consistent basis to residents that they need to protect their property and lock their cars. Opportunistic thieves target unlocked vehicles and steal valuable items particularly, cellular telephones, purses, GPS units, iPods and computers.

A group of thieves can move through the area very quickly, entering unlocked vehicles. The vast majority of the time, thieves will pass a locked vehicle because they don’t want to expend the time or risk getting caught trying to enter it.

Approximately 90 percent of the burglaries committed were to unlocked vehicles. If you choose to leave valuables in your car, then take one second to lock it. One second may save you days of inconvenience and money. Lock It or Lose it! Never leave your vehicle unattended with keys in the ignition.

• Lock your doors and keep the windows closed, even when parked in front of your home.
• Park in busy and well-lighted areas.
• Do not leave valuables — GPS, GPS holder, cell phone — in plain view.
• Equip your vehicle with an alarm or other anti-theft device.
• Never leave your vehicle registration or other personal documents in your vehicle.
• Report auto theft immediately. Provide local authorities with the make/model/license plate and vehicle ID number.

The signs will be posted throughout the village at the subdivision entrances before the end of December.

The Lake Zurich Police Department provided this information.