Thefts From Vehicles Easily Preventable in Prince William County: Police

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — For the second time in two months, Prince William County Police have pushed out a crime alert warning citizens about thefts or attempted thefts from vehicles in the area.

This one mentioned no specific areas but had a distinct whiff of, "Come on people! Use your heads!"

So here's their accompanying public service announcement, as it were:

Most thefts from motor vehicles are preventable. To help reduce the opportunity for this type of crime, there are just a few things you need to do to prevent them. Once you realize the steps you need to take, we are counting on you to do them on a daily basis!

Practice T. L. C.

Take Out Valuables

If you can leave your valuables at home, do it. Otherwise, when you get to your destination, take your valuables with you. If you have to leave them in your automobile, put them in your trunk before you get to your destination. This includes firearms! Please do not leave a firearm in your vehicle unsecured!

Lock Your Vehicle

Always lock your vehicle even when parked in your own driveway!

Close Doors and Windows

An open door or window allows a thief a quick and quiet way to enter your automobile. Take the time to make sure you closed everything. Please remember to report all suspicious activity immediately.

Just last week, police in Stafford sent out an alert warning residents of rising thefts from vehicles, adding much of the aforementioned advice.

Seems the message from police all over Northern Virginia is a no-brainer — keep your vehicle locked at all times.

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