Locked Cars Deter Thieves, Clarkstown Police Say

CLARKSTOWN, N.Y. -- A recent rash of car break-ins is spurring Clarkstown police to warn residents to lock their vehicles and to keep tempting goodies out of the sight of thieves.

Locking up is only one simple habit you can adopt to prevent thieves from targeting your car, Clarkstown police say. Hiding valuables in the vehicle's trunk and parking it in well-lighted, busy and visible spots also helps.
Photo Credit: *Wikimedia Commons courtesy James086*

Carol Reif

03/06/2017 7:30 p.m.

According to police, there are close to 2 million such thefts each year, resulting in the loss of $1.255 billion in goods.

While locking your car seems like a no-brainer, up to a quarter of theft victims didn’t do it, police said.

It’s also worth keeping your ride tidy. Almost any personal item that's visible from the outside -- even something as worthless as an empty shopping bag -- could be seen as bait for thieves, police said.

They are advising folks to stow electronics and accessories out of sight, or, better yet, take them with them.

Shoppers should conceal bags and valuables in the trunk when they get back to their cars, and not after they stop at the next place, police said.

Only the most “brazen” of bad guys will chance being spotted in the act, so folks should park in busy, well-lighted, and highly visible areas, police said.

If the car is concealed by larger vehicles, fences or foliage, for instance, it becomes an easier target.

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