Police offer hints on how to avoid falling victim to auto thefts

Now that the cold weather is upon us, there might be that temptation for you to get up in the morning, start your car and allow it to warm up while you wait in the comfort of your home. Think twice about this practice, since auto thieves often search for signs of exhaust smoke coming from unattended vehicles and strike quickly.

Last year, a total of 581 vehicles were stolen in our city. And despite making a significant number of arrests for auto theft and recovering many of these vehicles, it continues to be a problem in Lodi as well as other cities. So far this year, 537 vehicles have been stolen in the city of Lodi.

Of the 537 vehicles stolen this year, most were taken between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.. The one hour time period between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. accounted for 106 (or 20 percent) of the 537 stolen vehicles. Honda Civics and Accords remain the most popular, as well as Chevrolet trucks, Blazers and vans. A number of these thefts involve unlocked vehicles or ones left running while unattended.

Our officers are diligent in attempting to locate stolen vehicles and arresting those responsible. And while arresting individuals who commit these crimes is extremely important, it is more reactive than proactive. We need your help in order to really have an impact on this crime. You know the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Make it as difficult as possible for the thief! Sometimes we just make it too easy.

Your chances of being a victim of auto theft can be significantly reduced by practicing some simple preventative measures. Here are a few things you can do to decrease your chances of having your car stolen:

• Never leave your car running unattended, even to dash into a residence or business.

• Never leave keys in the car or ignition.

• Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked in front of your home.

• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk so they are out of sight.

• Park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas when possible.

• Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column or brakes. These devices will deter criminals.

• Consider the purchase of a vehicle theft tracking/security system, especially if you own one of the frequently stolen model vehicles.

• Park your car in a garage or secure area, if available.

• Never leave personal identification documents, vehicle ownership title or credit cards in your vehicle.

• Copy your license plate and vehicle information (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with you. If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need this information to take a report.

• If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police immediately.

Crime Prevention Officer Andrea Patterson contributed to this column.

Questions, comments, or advice for Behind the Badge can be e-mailed to Captain David Main at dmain@pd.lodi.gov; mailed to Lodi Police Department, 215 West Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240; or called in by phone at (209) 333-6726.

Reader Feedback

S & W 500 wrote on Dec 7, 2007 9:45 AM:

" People who leave their autos running assume a risk, a risk that could leave them walking. For the rest of us, we need to keep our eyes open, and ears open while our eyes rest. It sucks to be "on-guard", but our judicial system does not deliver harsh enough punishment to deter thieves of any kind! "

Report Abuse

to d--------man? wrote on Dec 7, 2007 9:22 AM:

" The fact is there are safety issues involved with eating while driving, what kind of example is that? Was he teaching his drive along how to be unsafe too? How to be a bad example? "

Report Abuse

dman wrote on Dec 6, 2007 2:06 PM:

" CRAIG. I am pretty sure you have a job where you can actually get an uninterrupted break to eat at a table. That is not the case for many cops. Yes, even in Lodi. Come on Craig!! Give cops a break if they have to eat on the run "

Report Abuse

Craig wrote on Dec 6, 2007 9:50 AM:

" How about cops leading by example: City cop with a ride along seen on Lower Sac and Kettleman holding a bowl of soup eating it while driving----come on LPD! "

Report Abuse

Go Tigers wrote on Dec 4, 2007 10:10 PM:

" "Sanctuary City? Get rid of the slumlords and "illegals?" Due to your tireless and thankless effort to expose corruption within the city, it's become obvious to LNS readers that the good ol' boys, including the Chief, are huddled in their smoke-filled back rooms making deals to fatten their wallets and increase their pensions. They don't have time to "round 'em all up." Time is money you know. "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Dec 3, 2007 11:01 AM:

" When's the chief going to write an article? About time to face the eastside cleanup now. The new codes are written and either will or are already going into effect soon. Shouldn't we get the news, good or bad, from the chief himself? Now that you've gotten your blight designation, clean it up and get rid of all the slumlords and illegals. Lodi has become kinown as a "sanctuary city" amongst the mexican population here. "

Report Abuse

Comments on this story are now closed.

Archives

Story Tools

Indexes

Police offer hints on how to avoid falling victim to auto thefts

Reader Feedback

Special Sections

Photo Reprints

Find Ads

Weather

Services

Contact Us

Office

Newsroom

Subscriptions

Advertising

Classifieds