Below are some auto break-in safety tips, for these and more crime prevention tips visit the Columbia Police Department website.
- Do not leave valuables or packages on the seats or in plain view. This includes cell phones, GPS Units, and other electronics. If they must be left in the vehicle, be sure to place all items out of sight in the trunk or glove compartment
- Don’t leave any sign that there are out-of-sight items in the vehicle. Just leaving chargers out with no phones connected to them may indicate there are electronics in the vehicle which in turn can cause you to have to replace a broken window. Very few auto break-ins are random. Thieves usually see something in plain sight that is valuable enough to break a window
- Do not store valuables in your car or trunk longer than necessary and NEVER overnight
- If your trunk can be opened from the inside of your vehicle, lock this feature when you are not in your car
- If you have an after-market stereo with a removable face plate, remove it
- Park in busy, well traveled, or well lit areas. Never park in isolated or dark areas of any parking lot
- Always make sure your vehicle is secured (windows up, doors locked, and if applicable, alarm engaged)
- Set your vehicle alarm
- Never leave vehicle running while unattended, even if your doors are locked
- Do not leave vehicle keys in the trunk of vehicle while loading or unloading
- Never leave firearms in your vehicle