BRATTLEBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT SAFETY GROUPS
TIP OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
- Lock your car. Over half of the motor vehicles that are broken in to are unlocked. There is evidence to suggest that at least some of the criminals who have been breaking in to vehicles are simply choosing the path of least resistance and entering unlocked vehicles.
- Park in a well lit area. While this seems like an old adage, most of the vehicles that are being entered are at the far corners of parking lots and driveways.
- Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. These crimes are usually not random. Officers report that certain vehicles were chosen from all of the others parked nearby, and it is most often due to the valuables left out in the open. Items such as laptop computer, GPS units, and MP3 players are the most sought after equipment.
- If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, secure them in the trunk or hide them under the seat.
- Electronic equipment that is marked with something identifiable dramatically increases your odds of getting that property back. Do not use your name or social security number. A symbol, random number, or single initial is sufficient. Make it in obscure place and make it indelible.
- Do not use a hide a key. There are an Infinite number of places to hide a key, and they are usually located by thieves.
- Do not mark your keys with your name or address. Separate your house keys from your car keys.
- Keep loose change out sight. Sadly, a large number of vehicles are entered and the only item that is taken is the change from the center console.
- Winter is upon us. While tempting, do not let your vehicle run in your parking area.
- If your vehicle has been broken into or vandalized call the police department
- If the crime is happening call 911 try to get a description of the subjects, a direction of travel, if they leave in a vehicle a plate number
If you have any questions or comments please contact the Brattleboro Police Department
802-257-7946
