Auto burglary is theft of property (any value) from a secured or unsecured vehicle. This is a felony.
Three elements are needed to commit a crime:
1. Desire
2. Ability
3. Opportunity
Don’t be complacent. Remove the opportunity or ability and you can prevent the crime.
What Items Are Most Commonly Stolen from Vehicles?
- Briefcases
- Purses
- Garage door openers
- Cash
- Computers
- Cell phones (and chargers)
- CDs and CD cases
- Keys
- Jewelry
How Can Auto Burglary Lead to Residential Burglary?
Garage door opener or house key + car registration or mail = home burglary
Vehicle registration
As a safety precaution, keep your original vehicle registration on your person or in your home. Keep a copy of the registration with the address blacked out in your vehicle. This would prevent the burglar from having your address as well as your garage door opener or extra keys.
Mail
Do not leave outgoing or incoming mail in your car, especially where visible. This has your name and address on it.
Garage door opener
Avoid leaving this in your car, if possible.
Keys
Never leave keys in your car.
What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Becoming a Victim?
- Remove visible items from your vehicle. If you leave items visible in your car, you are a target.
- Be aware that someone may be watching as you put a wallet, purse, or cell phone under your seat or in the trunk of your vehicle. Take these items with you.
Lock up!
- Lock your vehicle and take your keys, even for quick errands.
- Lock the trunk, hatchback, or tailgate to block access into the car.
- Close all windows, including vent or wing windows and sunroofs.
- Buy an alarm and use it! Many people believe that alarms no longer make a difference; however, they do remain an effective deterrent to a burglar. Criminals will choose the easiest target. If they have two cars to choose from, one with an alarm and one without, they will burglarize the one without.
For more information, call the Park Ranger Supervisor (561) 252-1714
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office - Non-Emergency (561) 688-3000
Emergency 9-1-1