COMMUNITY ALERTBoston Police Report Increase in Theft from Motor Vehicles
BPD Offers Prevention Tips for Motor Vehicle Break-ins
From January 1, 2007 to March 20, 2007, statistics indicate that 8 out of 12 Boston Police Districts are reporting an increase in the number of Larceny From a Motor Vehicle. Three districts have reported a decrease in the number of thefts from motor vehicles. This has resulted in a 19% increase of motor vehicle break-ins citywide.
Boston Police are increasing patrols to identified areas of concern. To address this issue, Boston Police Districts Commanders are also organizing sting operations utilizing decoy vehicles. In addition, the Boston Police ask community members to be mindful of safety tips listed below.
As stated above, eight districts reported an increase in the number of thefts from motor vehicles. A complete listing of statistics has been sent to media outlets via email.
Boston Police reports indicate that the most common items stolen were left in sight and include: GPS Devices, US currency (left on the dashboard or in an ash tray), stereos and stereo face plates, electronic devises (cell phones, ipods, blackberry’s and chargers), bags, purses and briefcases.
The Boston Police would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that motor vehicle breaks are among the most easily preventable of crimes. They are typically crimes of opportunity, committed by thieves who look for valuables left unattended. Taking a few simple steps can often discourage these thieves. Here’s how you can protect yourself against motor vehicle breaks.
DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR WHERE OTHERS CAN SEE THEM. Valuable items, such as your laptop, iPod, etc. should never be left in the front or back seat of your vehicle. Always take your valuables with you, or move them into the trunk.
· Lock your doors and windows. Even if your window is only slightly open, it makes your car an easier target for thieves. A thief will insert a wire into a slightly open window to pop up the door lock.
· Replace your standard door lock buttons with tapered ones. Tapered door lock buttons make it more difficult for a thief to hook a wire or device onto the door lock button to pop it open.
· Invest in an anti-theft device. When you buy a new or used car, checking to see if it has an anti-theft device is as important as checking the engine. If there isn\’t one, you should have one installed.
If you observe any unusual activity or observe a car theft or a break-in, call 911.
