Posted on 22 June 2011.
During the summer months the Baton Rouge Police Department see an increase in vehicle burglaries in the Baton Rouge area and would like to remind citizens to take precaution in preventing themselves from becoming a victim.
We would like to give a few safety pointers:
Park in open, well-lighted, and populated areas near your destination, preferably one in view of a security camera. Avoid parking near trucks, vans, dumpsters, and other objects that obstruct visibility and provide hiding places. Avoid parking near strangers loitering or sitting in vehicles.
Park in lots or garages where you don’t have to leave your keys.
Park in your garage, if you have one. Don’t leave your vehicle on the street, in an alley, or on your driveway. If you have to park on a street, avoid dark or isolated areas.
Turn off your engine, roll up all windows, lock all doors, and take your keys with you even if you are making a quick stop at a store or gas station, or even in your driveway. Close all windows and lock the trunk and hood.
Don’t leave spare keys in your vehicle. An experienced thief knows all the hiding places. Store spare keys in your wallet.
Don’t leave your vehicle in an unattended public lot for an extended period time.
Install an alarm system that will sound when someone attempts to break in, move, tilt, or start your vehicle. Always activate the system when leaving the vehicle.
Check your vehicle if you hear the alarm sound. But don’t try to stop a person attempting to break in. Get a good description of the person and call 911.
When you lock your vehicle with a Remote Keyless Entry make sure that all the doors are locked before leaving your vehicle, especially in public parking lots.
Do not leave valuables in plain sight inside of the vehicle.
