The Pittsburg Police Department provided folks who follow their Nixle with information to help prevent auto thefts as auto thefts in the Bay Area were reportedly on the rise. If you recall, FBI data released earlier this year showed that five Bay Area cities ranked in the top 10 nationally in auto thefts per capita.
1. Richmond – 1,7542.
2. Oakland – 1,746
5. Vallejo – 1,251
8. Antioch – 1,044
9. Hayward – 988
16. San Jose – 897
65. Concord – 526
Here is a look at the information Pittsburg PD provided yesterday.
Thefts from Autos
One of the most common types of theft is theft of valuables from your automobile. Theft from autos is strictly a crime of opportunity that can be prevented if you take away the opportunity. Thieves generally won’t waste their time breaking into autos that don’t have valuables in plain sight. Please take the precautions listed below to help ensure your auto is not targeted by thieves:
Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight. The best way to prevent theft from your auto is to always keep valuables out of sight. Never leave cell phones, briefcases, suitcases, or electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, laptop computers, etc.) in your car in plain view. Take these items with you, or secure them—all the time, every time.
Secure Your GPS Device. While many GPS devices are mounted in the dashboard of the vehicle, the PPD encourages anyone who uses a portable GPS device to take it with you, along with any other items of value, when you park the car.
Use Your Trunk. If your car has a trunk, use it. Put valuables in there or in a locked glove compartment. Hiding items under seats is better than leaving them in plain view, but securing them inside the glove compartment or trunk is a far better deterrent.
Don’t Tempt Thieves with New Purchases. During the holiday season especially, or any time you’re shopping, place packages in the trunk, not on the passenger seats or floors.
Remove Your Radio Faceplate. If you can unfasten your sound system and take it with you, or lock it in your trunk, do so. And don’t forget to do the same with your CDs and tapes.
Lock It Up. Also, keep your car doors and windows locked—all the time!
Remember: “Outta sight, outta mind”—if thieves can’t see your valuables, they’re less likely to waste their time targeting your auto. Take the time to secure your valuables; it makes a difference.
The Pittsburg Police Department will be conducting extra patrols in and around shopping centers throughout the holiday shopping season. Please, for your safety, do not engage a dangerous situation and report any and all crimes, suspicious activity, and persons/vehicles to Pittsburg Police by immediately calling 9-1-1.
