Those really cool GPS devices that many people are using have become the new target for bad guys. Unlike most thefts from vehicles when the bad guys only target unlocked vehicles, they are going that extra step and forcing entry to the vehicles to get to the GPS. Victims are not only losing these expensive electronic devices but are also suffering several hundred dollars in damage to the vehicle as the bad guys break windows, windshields and/or door locks.

 

Those GPS's are then being sold for pennies on the dollar or even traded for small amounts of narcotics. The answer? Remove not only the GPS from your vehicle but everything associated with it including mounting platforms and power cords.

 

You can never take away the bad guy's desire or ability, but you can take away their opportunity. Take a few extra seconds and remove anything from your vehicle that might be attractive to the bad guy.

There is a way the "Bad Guys" are scamming us on gift cards, even before we purchase them. How are they doing that? Well, some stores elect to have their gift cards on racks or hooks where you just pull them off and have the cashier charge them up with an amount. In stores like that the "Bad Guys" are writing down serial numbers off of the cards on the rack and they can later retrieve a balance by using the store's customer service telephone number. And to make matters worse, they can use the gift card online just by having that serial number they copied earlier and a known balance provided by the store.

 Here is a scenario:

On Monday Bad Billy goes to a national department store chain we will call Alfred's. At Alfred's their gift cards are on display for purchase and Bad Billy copies down 12 serial numbers. Mr. and Mrs. Dons decide to purchase 4 gift cards for their nieces and nephews who live in another part of the country. The Dons' charge each card up with $50.00 value and stick the gift cards inside Christmas cards and send them off via the US Postal Service.

 On Tuesday Bad Billy calls Alfred's customer service telephone number and asks what the balance is on gift card A0012 and finds it to be $50.00. On Wednesday and the following days Bad Billy calls about one card each day. The bad news is, even before the Dons' nieces and nephews open their cards, Bad Billy has already gone to the Alfred's web site and redeemed the gift cards for things he wants. Bad Billy will often have those items shipped to a friend's house or even a house he knows that is vacant or even the Jone's house. Why the Jones house? well there is no one home during the day and he can drive by and get the boxes off the Jones deck before anyone gets home.

 Okay, so how to we protect ourselves against this type of scam? Easy really, purchase your gift card from a store that keeps their gift cards behind the register or customer service counter. If the store you want to purchase a card from only keeps them in the open, insist they get one out of the back storage room. But buyers beware, because Bad Billy's sister Bad Belinda might be an employee of that store and she may write down the serial numbers before selling them to you. It might be a good idea to check the store's policy on refunds or procedures on how they protect their gift cards.

I am often approached and asked how to prevent motor vehicle theft so I thought why not post a blog addressing just that issue. Pleas take the time to review some tips on preventing vehicle theft. Not all of the suggestions may be practicle for you or your vehicle, you have to be the judge as to what you think is appropriate.

• Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
• Never leave your keys in the ignition.
• Always roll the windows up and lock the doors, even if parked at home.
• Install tapered door lock buttons, discard the ones with the lips on them. This will prevent the opening of your doors with a coat hanger or similar device.
• Never leave anything of value in the auto; this includes the change left over from the convenience store and drive through.
• Never hide a key on or under the vehicle, thieves will take the time to try and locate "Hidden" keys.
• Park in busy and well lit spots.
• Consider having the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etched on the entire vehicle's glass.
• Consider installing an ignition kill or cutout switch in a hidden location.
• Consider using a mechanical steering wheel locking device.
• Consider installing an alarm.
• Consider a vehicle monitoring and tracking system.
• If you install an alarm or employee a tracking system, display the provided stickers on your vehicle.
• If you have recently purchased a used vehicle, especially from a private party, consider changing the ignition switch.

As always, practicing the tips pointed our here will not guarantee that you will not be the victim of a crime. But, they will lower the chances of you becoming a victim.

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.