Car Break-ins

Recently there has been an increase in the reported number of car break-ins occurring not only in Lake County, but all across the country. The main targets are GPS units and lap-top computers. It takes a thief about 10 seconds to break a window and grab an object which is 99.9% of the time in plain view. Even if the car alarm is set off, most people have become immune to the alarms. Because they are frequently going off for no reason, people don't pay attention to the alarm source. All the thief has to do is casually walk away from the car he has just hit, and he won't draw attention to himself. Keep in mind that not only are you going to lose your property, but now you have to go through the inconvenience of having your vehicle serviced to have a costly window replaced.

Here are a few basic reminders that will help you to avoid being a victim:

• Place all items out of sight either in the console, under the seat, or better yet, the trunk.

• Don't keep tollway change visible in the cup holder or a coin holder.

• If you have a GPS unit and it is usually affixed to your windshield, remember to remove the suction cup mount also, not just the GPS unit. Thieves have become so bold that if they see the suction cup "marks" on your windshield, they will break into your vehicle anticipating the GPS is hidden somewhere in the passenger compartment. Wipe the marks from the windshield.

• If you are traveling and stop for fuel, food or a quick break, hide your valuables.

• Always, always, always, lock your vehicle even in your own driveway. Thieves will rummage around an unlocked car looking for anything of value from CD's to watches to credit cards. Lock your vehicle!!! It's the #1 deterrent to theft.

• Park near or under street lights or parking lot lights whenever possible. Thieves do not like lit-up areas. Park as close to a hotel/motel front entrance as practical. Foot traffic is also a deterrent.

While this list is certainly not complete, these few common sense measures will work in your favor to help keep you from becoming a victim of a vehicle break-in.