Rancho Bernardo had 63 auto thefts and 114 auto prowls (or burglaries) in the year 2001. It’s amazing to learn that eighty percent of all cars stolen were unlocked at the time, and forty percent actually had the keys in the ignition. According to the San Diego police, most cars are stolen because they are easy to steal.

These days, unfortunately, no place is safe from vehicle theft or burglaries. The bad guys are especially fond of public parking lots. Don’t leave your car unattended there for an extended period of time. A car is five times more likely to be stolen or burglarized from an unattended lot than from the street or an attended lot. A car can be entered in a matter of seconds with no one the wiser.

Never leave your car unlocked, or the motor running, the windows rolled down, or keys in the ignition. We all know these things, of course, but it’s that first time…..

If you spent hard-earned money for security devices, make sure you USE THEM whenever your car is unattended. Remember, it’s that first time…….

What can we do about carjackings? Lots. Start with the most common sense stuff: when you approach your car, you can act with purpose, you can stay alert, you can walk to your car with car key in hand. Look around and inside your car, particularly the back seat.

When you park, remember to look for well-lighted areas near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility.

When you are on the road, keep your doors locked and windows rolled up, no matter how short the trip or how safe the area. When you slow down or stop, look around you, especially at places such as garages and parking lots, intersections, self-serve gas stations and car washes, highway entry and exit ramps, and ATMs.

When you come to a stop, leave enough room in front of you to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense there may be trouble. If possible, avoid driving alone especially at night. Don’t stop to assist a stranger; instead, drive to the nearest phone to call the police to help. Always keep your car well maintained with plenty of gas.

Rancho Bernardo has had an unusual number of car burglaries recently. Windows are smashed and items taken from cars. Officer Lennon reports that these cars are locked, therefore the smashed windows. What can we do? About the only thing to prevent this, is to make sure that nothing in your car looks ‘saleable.’ The bad guys want money for what they take from your car. Remember to put all items of any value in your locked trunk. If you don't have a trunk, then cover your valuables.