Last week we examined the vehicle crimes in residential areas in RB according to the district (community.) The following crimes occurred in the commercial areas during the period of one month. You will note that they are not listed chronologically, but rather by date reported. And they occurred at all hours of day and night.

April 28, suspect entered victim’s vehicle using partially opened window and took wallet with credit cards and driver’s license; May 26, suspect damaged victim’s truck by scratching with unknown tool 16 feet on driver’s side; May 3, Victim’s 1995 Toyota Camry was stolen; May 4, suspect broke window and took purse, wallet, credit cards and other IDs; May 2, suspect took purse and keys from unlocked vehicle; May 9, suspect broke rear window and stole wallet, credit cards, professional license, check book, keys, medication, cosmetics, cash, briefcase, pens, figurines and art materials; May 15, suspect broke window of victim’s car and took purse, wallet and cash; May 26 suspect smashed passenger window and took purse, driver’s license, cash and credit cards; April 23, suspect stole purse, wallet, cash, gift certificate, credit cards and driver’s license; May 16, car maliciously damaged by suspect(s). Rear tire was punctured and right side mirror was broken while victim was shopping; May 4, stereo taken from victim’s vehicle; May 7, suspect broke window of victim’s car and took purse, wallet, assorted cards, bracelet and two checkbooks; May 3, suspect broke window of victim’s car and took CDs with case and cash; May 3, suspect entered victim’s vehicle through open window that was broken out during burglary one week prior. Took owner’s manual and sunglasses.

Just look at the money, credit cards, checkbooks, purses and wallets that were stolen! One victim didn’t even fix his window which was broken by a burglary one week earlier!

Rancho Bernardo has had an unusual number of car burglaries in the last few months. About the only thing to prevent this is to make sure that nothing in your car looks valuable. The bad guys want money for what they take from your car or they want to steal your identity to use your charge cards and checks. Remember to put all items of any value in your locked trunk. If you don't have a trunk, then cover your valuables, TAKE THEM WITH YOU, OR LEAVE THEM AT HOME.

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. If you spent hard-earned money for security devices, make sure you USE THEM whenever your car is unattended.

Park in open, well-lighted and populated areas near your destination. Avoid parking near trucks, vans, dumpsters and other objects that obstruct visibility and provide hiding places. Avoid parking near strangers loitering or sitting in vehicles.

Do not try to stop a person attempting to break in. Get a good description and call the police.