Help Prevent Theft from Automobiles

Here is Some Tips for Preventing Theft from Your Car
Thefts from auto will increase in parks and public parking areas! Over $1 million dollars in property is stolen each year from autos in Saint Paul. Working together - the community and the police - we can help prevent this.

Thieves Need Less Than 20 Seconds to Steal

• Stolen property
• Credit card and check fraud
• Damaged credit line
• Higher insurance costs

Here are some tips:

• Never leave valuables, such as wallets purses, computers, cell phones or jewelry, in plain view.
• Lock your doors and roll the windows up tight.
• Valuables in the trunk are at risk. If you must put valuables in the trunk, place them there before arriving at your parking destination.
• Watch for suspicious acting people loitering or lurking in the area of parked vehicles. Call 911 and describe the person's:
  • Gender, race, height, weight, clothing and age.
  • License number (if available) or mode of transportation.
  • Exact location.
• Park in a well lit area if you expect to return to your car after dark.
• Keep a record of all your credit card numbers. Write down the serial numbers, makes and models of your personal property.

What You Should Do If It Happens to You
Call 9-1-1 or the Police immediately if property is stolen from your auto. If possible, stay where your auto was parked. Prepare a list of what was taken. The police will further advise you.

Immediately cancel all credit card and bank accounts if a credit card or checks are stolen. Do not just place stop payment orders on checks that were stolen.

Please share the above tips with family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.

-Birdy: It is better to be safe than sorry!