Southampton Police Offer Tips To Prevent Car Break-Ins

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — With thefts from vehicles reported across the East End almost daily, Southampton Police are offering tips to prevent "smash-and-grab" incidents.

First, police say, choose a good parking space. At home, consider a well-lit driveway or parking inside a garage. If shopping in the evening, choose a well-lit and open parking area, police said.

Next, leave your purse, backpack or valuables out of sight, police said. Keep items in the trunk rather than in the viewable passenger area. If a thief sees those items, they are more likely to target your vehicle, but if there is nothing visible, they will likely move on, police said.

Use a vehicle with an alarm system, if possible; thieves are less likely to break into a vehicle with a blinking alarm light, police said.

Take electronics with you. Either put the portable devices in a hidden place out of view, or take them with you. "These are the items that attract thieves, because they are easy to grab, carry and sell," police said.

Finally, lock your doors. "This should be a 'no-brainer' but we take quite a few police reports where car doors were left unlocked," police said. "Some thieves will actually walk around a parking lot, checking car doors, for an easy target."

If you see something, say something, police said. Call 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress. Visit the Southampton Town Police Department here or call 631-728-5000 for additional information.