Reducing Thefts from Parked Vehicles

On a recent beautiful sunny June day, Maplewood Police Officer Scott Reeves was going door to door delivering fliers to residents filled with information on reducing thefts from cars.

Reeves was performing outreach for the following a spate of thefts from autos in the Plymouth Avenue neighborhood. Besides handing out the flier, he patiently and thoughtfully answered residents' questions.

In addition to the door-to-door efforts, the Maplewood Police Department is also reaching out through other communications vehicles. The following article recently appeared in the Maplewood Township Leaflet, available online here.

REDUCING THEFTS FROM PARKED VEHICLES
                    By Lt. Dean L. Naddeo Maplewood Police Department

Opportunistic thieves are constantly on the lookout for soft targets, and unlocked vehicles with visible portable electronics have become the objects of choice. Although offenders do sometimes utilize tools to force entry to a vehicle, the vast majority of recently reported thefts involve the entering of an unlocked car or truck. The reasons that offenders choose unlocked vehicles are obvious:
 

• First, there is no tool required.
• Second, there is no noise.
• Third, a passerby may not suspect that a break-in is taking place since there is no force being used

Once inside the vehicle, the suspect can rummage for loose change, valuables and portable electronics such as GPS units.

Hence, vehicle owners are strongly encouraged to keep their vehicles locked and alarmed (if equipped) at all times. This even applies to vehicles parked in a driveway or for a short period of time. Furthermore, owners are advised to keep all valuables out of sight, including loose change.

Finally, citizens are asked to call the police immediately if they suspect that a vehicle break-in is occurring or if suspicious activity is observed.

To learn more, or to schedule a free home security survey, please contact Lt. John Tutunjian at 973-762-3400 and remember to visit the Maplewood Police Department website at www.Maplewoodpd.org.