At the February meeting of the Public Safety Committee of the RB Community Council, Officer Paul Lennon showed concern about the many car thefts and car prowls (burglary of property items from the vehicle) reported in RB for the month of January. There were 11 thefts of autos and 50 car prowls! For details of all crimes in RB, go to www.rbernardo.com/safesec/crimestats.htm/

• Park in open, well-lighted and populated areas near your destination.
• Avoid parking near trucks, vans (good luck!) dumpsters and other objects that obstruct visibility and provide hiding places.
• Avoid parking near strangers loitering or sitting in vehicles
• Park in lots or garages where you don’t have to leave your keys
• Park in your garage if you have one – not the driveway or street. If you have to park on the street, avoid dark or isolated areas
• Turn off your engine, roll up all windows, lock all doors and trunk. Take your keys with you even if you are making a quick stop.
• Don’t hide a spare key in your vehicle.
• Install an alarm system that will sound when someone attempts to break in, more, tilt or start your vehicle. Always activate this system when leaving.
• Check your vehicle if you hear the alarm sound. But don’t try to stop a person attempting to break in. Get a good description of the person(s) and call the police.

• Turn your wheels sharply toward the curb when parking on a street.
• Use antitheft devices that can be attached to the steering wheel or column or brake pedal.
• Install fuel or power cutoff switches.
• Buy a vehicle with a locking ignition or steering column.
• Chain motorcycles and bicycles to stationary objects when unattended.
• Consider having your VIN (Vehicle ID number) etched on all windows.

Although a professional car thief can defeat most security measures and quickly break into and steal a locked vehicle, most vehicle thefts and break-ins are carried out by amateurs who take advantage of the carelessness of drivers in leaving vehicles unlocked and valuables in sight.