Car Break-ins: On the Rise but Preventable: Pleasantville Police

PLEASANTVILLE, NY — With the holiday season fast approaching, the Pleasantville Police Department would like to remind all village residents of a few ways to safeguard their personal property.

Pleasantville, as well as surrounding municipalities throughout Westchester, has experienced a rash of vehicle break-ins over the past few weeks, said Chief Erik Grutzner.

But he noted: while they are called break-ins, most are against cars that were parked overnight with their doors unlocked.

Plus, in some instances, vehicles have been stolen because the keys, or keys to another vehicle parked nearby, were left inside an unlocked vehicle.

People who want to steal from cars usually walk up residential streets during the overnight hours, peering in windows of cars and trying door handles to discover if any are unlocked. When they find an unlocked vehicle, they will rummage through the passenger compartment, taking anything of value. Cash, loose change and charging cords are often removed. If they find a locked vehicle with an item of particular interest and / or value inside, they may resort to breaking the window of the car in order to get inside.

A few tips to prevent VBI’s:

• Car doors should be locked whenever you park, even in your driveway.
• If kept in your car, valuable possessions should be locked in your trunk or hidden from view.
• Never leave keys, especially car keys or house keys, in your vehicle.
• Pay attention to unfamiliar people in your neighborhood, especially at night.
• If you hear glass breaking or see anything suspicious, please contact the Pleasantville Police Department at 769-1500 immediately.

These are very much crimes of opportunity. With minimal protective measures, you can keep you and your family from becoming victims, Chief Grutzner said.

Image via Norwell, MA police