AUTO THEFT PREVENTION TIPS
WHICH VEHICLE IS MOST OFTEN STOLEN IN THE BEMIDJI AREA?
THE ONE WITH THE KEYS LEFT IN IT.
Never leave keys in your vehicle’s ignition, or in places within your vehicle which can be observed through any window. Hiding a spare key inside your vehicle can be risky as well because thieves often search for them. If you wish to leave a spare key with your vehicle, be sure to conceal it well and possibly secure it within cases specifically manufactured for such a purpose. Remember, every anti-theft feature that is installed within your vehicle can be overridden with a turn of the key.
AVOID LEAVING GIFTS, PACKAGES OR SHOPPING BAGS INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE.
When shopping in the Bemidji area make an effort to store your purchased items within the trunk or other concealed area. Thieves are often looking for such items and may break into your vehicle to get to them, even in daylight hours in a busy parking lot. Protect your property and the gifts that you look forward to giving to friends and family.
NEVER LEAVE A RUNNING VEHICLE UNATTENDED.
Bemidji winters can be bitterly cold and vehicle owners often leave their vehicles running and unattended in order to warm the engines and passenger compartments. Such a habit has resulted in many automobile thefts as perpetrators often are looking for such an opportunity. Locking the doors may deter some thieves, but many will simply break the glass using a rock or tool in order to gain entry into the vehicle. Never leave your car unattended if it is running, and be sure to lock the doors if children are inside the vehicle. Remember that Bemidji City Ordinance Section 24-132 prohibits leaving keys in an unattended vehicle so please avoid a ticket and an unnecessary auto theft by staying with your warming vehicle.
AVOID LEAVING VALUABLE ITEMS WITHIN YOUR VEHICLE.
Thieves often walk through neighborhoods and parking lots looking into car windows just looking for items to steal. A locked door won’t stop a thief from taking an item from inside your car and will only result in a broken window for you to clean up. Noticing valuables inside a vehicle may draw the thief’s attention and they may ultimately steal the entire car if a spare key is found or the ignition is by-passed. Remember, thieves aren’t considerate of the time of day, the neighborhood your car is parked in, or of your feelings, so don’t take any chances by leaving things you value inside your car.
AVOID LENDING YOUR VEHICLE TO PEOPLE YOU DON’T KNOW WELL.
Make sure you know and trust a person who borrows your car and that he/she has a driver’s license and will operate your vehicle in a safe, responsible manner. If someone borrows your car and damages it or doesn’t bring it back at an agreed-upon time, this may not constitute a theft act and the police may not be able to pursue criminal charges on your behalf.
CONSISTENTLY USE YOUR VEHICLE’S ALARM SYSTEM.
If your vehicle is equipped with a security system/alarm, be sure to arm the system every time you leave your vehicle unattended. If you hear your car’s alarm sounding, don’t ignore it and quickly check the vehicle to assure no one is tampering with it. If you feel that someone is tampering with the car, or preparing to tamper with it, call law enforcement immediately.
INVEST IN AUTO-THEFT PREVENTION DEVICES.
Most new automobiles are equipped with anti-theft devices which make it more difficult for a thief to start the vehicle without a key. But, if you don’t own a newer vehicle and are concerned about the car being “hot-wired” by a potential thief, consider purchasing a steering wheel locking club. These devices are affordable and offer a solid deterrent to would-be thieves if used consistently.