Unlocked vehicle: Don’t be surprised when you get robbed

LANCASTER- I have noticed in the last five years as a reporter/editor for the Lancaster area that every so often there will be a series of vehicle thefts occurring and then it all of sudden stops. This week, I once again noticed that the Lancaster Police Department received several calls for vehicle thefts.

While I was reading and writing down the information, I noticed one thing in common, some of the vehicle owners didn’t lock their vehicle. If you don’t lock your car doors don’t be surprised when you became a victim of theft. Leaving your vehicle unlocked or even your house unlocked is just an open invitation saying, “please steal from me.”

I know back in the day many people didn’t lock their vehicles, but times have changed completely. It seems there are so many people that still believe that they can leave their doors unlocked and even the keys in the car…wake up people. People will steal.

Often the offender stealing from a vehicle will search the streets for unlocked doors. And while Lancaster is a safe community, crime still happens.

While it is difficult to stop all thefts from cars, the public has a role in preventing them.

The best thing you can do is to make yourself as unappealing a target as possible. Keep your valuables hidden in the trunk or don’t even keep things of value in your car. Thieves will steal anything in the vehicle from a stereo, GPS unit, loose change; CD’s to work equipment and wallets.

For those who don’t lock their car doors, because you don’t want your car windows smashed, it is understandable, but at least remove your valuables.

To minimize your chances of becoming a victim, listed below are some prevention tips to make yourself a difficult target:

• Park in well-lighted areas at stores, the mall, and your neighborhood. At home, park your locked vehicle in your locked garage.

• Purchase a steering-wheel lock. Also, consider installing a starter, ignition, or fuel disabler to prevent thieves from hot-wiring your car.

• If you leave the vehicle alone for a longer period, disconnect the power supply after consultation with your mechanic service.

• Never include your name and address on your keys. Mark them with your business name or driver's license number.

• Remove registration papers to make it difficult for the thief to sell the car on the black market.

I think it is important for residents to take it upon themselves to lock their vehicles, even if that means checking twice that all doors are locked. You work hard for what you have. Why just give it to someone?