Keeping Your Vehicle Safe

Tips to help prevent vehicle thefts:

• Take your keys
• Lock your car
• Never leave your car running
• Never leave valuables in plain view
• Park in well-lighted areas
• Never hide a second set of keys in your car
• Leave on the the ignition/door key when in an attended lot
• Completely close car windows when parking
• Park with your wheels turned towards the curb or to the side in driveways and parking lots

For more information, contact twilliams@montgomeryal.gov.

Vehicle Burglary Prevention

• Most crimes are committed because of opportunity. Take breaking into cars as an example. From outside the car, you can normally see items on the inside in plain view. Now let's say you have a CD case lying on the front seat. Numerous stores will pay upwards of $4 for a used CD. So it's pretty convenient for a thief to smash a window, take a case of CDs, and make some quick cash.

• Always lock your doors even if you are making a quick stop at the gas station, convenience store or mini mall

• Do not leave any personal property lying on the seats of the vehicle

• Always put personal property away (out of sight), prior to arrival at your destination; place the property under a swat or inside the trunk.

• If you have a pull out stereo, take it with you. If you have a detachable face-plate stereo, take the face-plate with you.

• Do not leave money in your ashtray.

• Keep your garage door remote out of plain view, and if stolen, change the remote control frequency.

• Don't leave a vehicle in unattended parking lots for an extended period.

• Never attach a tag with your name and address to your key ring. If the keys are lost or stolen, the tag will lead a thief directly to your car and your home. If you have to leave your vehicle with a parking attendant, leave only the ignition key.

• At night, park in well-lit areas with people around

• Consider an alarm system.

• Report to police any person(s) in your neighborhood who appear suspicious or out of place. If possible, get a description of the subjects.

• Don't hesitate to call the police if you are suspicious of someone or something. Time is of the essence.