In the past several months, our county has experienced an increase in thefts from unlocked cars, parked in shopping centers, parks, and even residential driveways. The suspects have also targeted residential neighborhoods countywide, and we need your help. Lock your car and always report suspicious activity.

Car crime is a big problem for our community members.

Protect your car by following our simple advice as it might just be enough to deter thieves from targeting your car.

* Lock the doors and close the windows when you leave your car, however long you are leaving it for * When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don’t have a garage, try to park in a well lit area, * When parking outside, always try to park your car in an attended car park. * Crimestoppers crime prevention advice “Car crime Don’t leave anything on display. Even an old coat or plastic bag can be a tempting target for a thief” * Remove the stereo if you can * Don’t keep valuables or important documents in the glove box. Leave the glove box open to show there’s nothing inside * Tuck in wing mirrors and put the aerial down to discourage vandals * Never store your car’s documents in the car, such as title, car loan papers and such. * A steering lock can help secure older vehicles * Have the windows etched with the car’s vehicle registration number (VRN) and make a note of its chassis number * Keep your car keys in a safe place, even in your house, so that someone breaking in cannot steal your car too * Get an alarm fitted. Alarms can deter thieves not only from stealing your vehicle, but also from taking items from it. * Secure your wheels using locking wheel nuts * Mark all equipment, e.g. car stereo, with your car registration number

“I am encouraging all of our community members to “lock your car” this will deter the thieves, and not allow them to take your property. Report all suspicious activity to our office, either by email or reporting this to 410-758-0770 if in progress.” added Sheriff R.G. Hofmann