The New Braunfels Police Department and the Comal County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up to remind residents and visitors to New Braunfels and Comal County that there are three easy steps that can be taken to avoid becoming a victim of vehicle burglary.
“Vehicle burglaries are a crime of opportunity, and would-be thieves often target vehicles that are unlocked or have valuables visible,” said New Braunfels Police Chief Keith Lane. “Most vehicle burglars simply check for unlocked car door handles and spend less than a minute inside the vehicle, checking the glove box, door panels, and center console. But these crimes are preventable, and both the Sheriff’s Office and the Police Department urge drivers to take some easy steps to keep yourself from becoming a voluntary victim of vehicle burglary and theft.”
Lock, Take, and Hide is an easy 3-step plan that drastically reduces your chances of becoming a victim:
- Lock your car doors.
- Take your valuables with you. This includes firearms, phones and other electronics, wallets or purses, backpacks, and jewelry. Or, if you can’t take those items with you…
- Hide those valuables so they aren’t in plain sight.
“Most burglars check vehicles for easy-to-grab items that are left in plain sight,” said Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds. “By following three simple steps - Lock, Take, and Hide - you can protect yourself from becoming a target of vehicle burglary and theft. Through our partnership with the City of New Braunfels Police Department, we’re working together to spread awareness.”
Here are some other helpful tips:
- Never leave your keys in the car or leave the vehicle running while unattended, and don’t hide spare keys in or around the vehicle. Over 25% of all stolen vehicles had the keys left in the vehicle.
- If you have an alarm system on your vehicle, use it.
- Secure items in your trunk, but not at the time you park. Thieves will be watching for that.
- Park in well-lit areas and be alert to your surroundings.
- Have your vehicle’s VIN number etched on windows or document the serial numbers of your property or etch identifying information on the property to help locate and identify it later in case of theft.
If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood or in parking lots at shopping centers, hotels, or office areas, call 911 immediately so that law enforcement can respond and investigate. For more information about crime prevention visit the New Braunfels Police Department website or the Comal County Sheriff’s Office website.