Vehicle theft is on the rise this month in Gilroy.
Forty-four vehicle break-ins were reported to the Gilroy Police
Department so far this month. And it’s not just Gilroy; car
burglaries are increasing nationwide, according to a GPD press
release.
Vehicle theft is on the rise this month in Gilroy.
Forty-four vehicle break-ins were reported to the Gilroy Police Department so far this month. And it’s not just Gilroy; car burglaries are increasing nationwide, according to a GPD press release.
To be safe, police urge to take items such as briefcases, phones and iPods with you when locking up.
The GPD says mail, vehicle registration, jackets, gym bags, garage door openers and other personal information found in vehicles can lead to identity theft
According to the GPD, most car burglaries are preventable, and it takes only a few steps to avoid them.
First, don’t leave valuables in a car. Cars are broken into when thieves see items in plain sight, according to the GPD.
It’s safest to leave your valuables home. If needed, police say transfer your belongings to your trunk before parking your car.
Lock up your car, and don’t leave windows down or cracked. This one step makes it much harder for thieves to break in, said the press release. Notice surroundings as an observant onlooker might notice a passenger leaving a car without a purse.
Lastly, park in well-lit areas where others can see the car. Don’t park behind a work building or behind large vehicles and shrubbery.
GPD Sgt. Justin Matsuhara said while the GPD has police cars patrolling as often as possible, citizens can help police prevent break-ins by not leaving items in plain view.
“It’s a crime of opportunity. If they see it, they’re going to grab it.”
