Police Offer Tips to Stop Thefts from Vehicles

The Crime Prevention Unit of the Alexandria Police Department placed informative fliers on the windshields of cars in parts of Del Ray on Friday in an effort to prevent thefts from vehicles.

Since the beginning of the year, Del Ray, Rosemont and Beverley Hills have experienced an uptick in larcenies from vehicles. In many cases, the doors of these cars and trucks have been left unlocked.

In the , 10 thefts from unlocked vehicles have occurred in the Del Ray area since March 5.

The police flier is headlined “Help Stop Stealing from Vehicles” and provides 12 tips for residents in English and in Spanish.

The tips are as follows:

1. Always lock your vehicle and pocket the key. Don’t hide spare keys — they can be found.
2. Roll windows up tight.
3. Some thefts from vehicles can occur at night right in front of your home. Install outside lights with motion detectors where you park your vehicle.
4. Some thieves specialize in lifting door lock buttons with a coat hanger or similar tool, so consider purchasing smooth, non-flared inside lock buttons for your vehicle’s doors.
5. When shopping, lock parcels and other valuables and other valuable property in the trunk. If your vehicle does not have a trunk, try to make sure that parcels are covered or not in plain view.
6. Never leave your purse, vehicle registration card or other valuables unattended in a vehicle.
7. Cut the backs of inspection stickers and city stickers to prevent their removal from the windshield.
8. Anti-theft style lug nuts can be purchased to prevent a thief from stealing wheels and tires.
9. Do not leave valuables such as clothing, gym bags or cameras in plain view. Remember, anything of value could be stolen.
10. If you have a citizens band radio or car phone in your vehicle, consider buying a locking slide mount so you can remove these items when you leave the car.
11. Consider buying an anti-car theft device or a car alarm.
12. If you hear the sound of breaking glass, look to see what it was and then call 911.