You Can Prevent Car Theft
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Lock up
- An unlocked car is an open invitation to a car thief. Lock up when you leave your car, and take the keys with you.
- Lock the trunk or tailgate.
- Close all windows – professional thieves have tools that unlock cars through the smallest openings.
- Be sure vent or wind-wing windows are shut tight and locked.
- When you park the car, remove cellular phones, stereos and other valuable possessions. Do not leave gift-wrapped packages or cameras lying on the seat. Lock all valuables in your trunk or take them with you.
- Lock your car even if you are making a quick stop at the gas station, convenience store or mini-mall.
Street Precautions
- Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you, especially if you are alone or it is dark.
- Whenever possible, travel with a friend.
- Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
- Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
- Walk confidently, and at a steady pace.
- Make eye contact with people when walking.
- Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street, continue walking
- If you carry a purse, hold it securely between your arm and your body.
Burglary
- Criminals committed 975 burglaries in Oxnard in 2004.
- In a large amount of these burglaries, no force was used. That means the burglars got in through UNLOCKED doors and windows.
- Most of these burglaries could be prevented.
- Always lock your doors and windows even when leaving for “just a minute.”
- Never leave a house key available: under a doormat, in a flower pot, or on the ledge of the door.
- These are the first places a burglar will look.
Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention Tips
- Do not routinely carry your social security card with you.
- Do not give your personal identifying information to anyone that you do not know or did not solicit their services.
- Do not leave anything containing your personal identifying in your car or anyplace where someone could snatch it.
- Do not respond to any request that you send money or information to someone because you “won” a prize or a lottery.
- Ask telemarketers where you can obtain printed information about their product if you are interested. Otherwise, hang up.
- Sign the back of your credit cards or write, “Demand to see proper ID” so that clerks pay attention to your credit card use.
- Obtain a credit report periodically.
- Do not leave any mail clipped to a mailbox or in an unsecured location. This is how mail gets stolen.
- Do not throw away unopened mail especially if it comes from a financial or credit institution – get a shredder.