Recently there was a series of thefts from vehicles on the east side of Wauwatosa. In each case the cars were left unlocked with some desriable items inside, mostly that loose change often left in the car.

Please review the following tips in an effort to reduce the opportunity for crime:

• Never leave anything of value in your vehicle
• Remove not only your portable electronic devices but everything related to those items as well
• Never keep anything of value in plain sight if you must leave it your vehicle for a period of time
• Get out of the habit of leaving loose change in your car
• Always park in a well lit area, if you park in the driveway at home install sufficient exterior lighting
• Always lock your car

Rembember, if we take away the opportunity for crime then the criminals will have to find somewhere else to try to committ their crime. 

If I missed something please feel free to email me or leave a comment.

Recently there have been some entries to and theft from motor vehicles in the City. Most of them are taking place during the overnight hours, in residential areas, with valuables left in plain sight and with the motor vehicle unlocked. How can you prevent becoming the victim of this type of crime?

1. Never leave anything of value in your motor vehicle, not even that loose change that accumulates after a quick stop at the convenience store or restaurant.

2. Lock your motor vehicle at all times, no matter what time of the day it is or where it is parked. Locking it will deter most thieves.

3. If you leave your motor vehicle in the driveway over night, make sure that all exterior and landscape lighting is left on during all hours of darkness.

4. If you park in a garage, lock the garage door(s) and window(s). If needed upgrade all the door and window locks to the most secure you can find.

Taking these precautions will not guarantee you will not be a victim but it does lessen your chances. You can never take away a thief’s or burglar’s desire or ability, but you can certainly take away the opportunity for them to commit a crime.