Field Report: Stolen in Washington
August 5, 2019
27,700 vehicles were stolen in Washington in 2018. This episode of Field Report examines an organization, funded by state dollars, working to prevent auto theft in Washington.
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Prevent Auto Theft
Don't Make Your Vehicle an Easy Target
By the time you finish reading this paragraph, another vehicle will be stolen somewhere in the U.S. Vehicle theft is a big business. frequently run by organized crime rings that are out to make huge profits. and they are doing it at your expense. Vehicle theft is driven by money and greed - it is a dangerous business that victimizes everyone.
Help Put the Brakes on Vehicle Theft: Use the "Layered Approach" to Protection Professiona thieves can steal any car, but make them work for yours by using "layered protection." The more layers of protection on your vehicle. the more difficult it is to steal. To learn about the layered approach click here
Wherever your summer travel takes you - don't let thieves rain on it by prowling or stealing your car!
- I know it's hot, but roll your windows up when leaving your vehicle, and lock it.
- Running into the store for just a "minute" to grab some ice? Don't leave your car running so the air conditioning will stay on... in a matter of seconds your "cool" car can be gone and added to the stolen "hot" sheet.
- Don't leave anything of value in your car. Try to plan ahead and leave it at home, or take it with you.
- If you must leave valuables in your car, put it in the trunk well before you park. Thieves watch for people placing items into the trunk and then break into the trunk.
- Thieves will cause hundreds of dollars in damage to your car to steal change, cigarettes, a bouquet of flowers... just about anything.
- Covering your valuables with a blanket, jacket, or something similar will not trick a thieve into believing there is "nothing to see here". It becomes more interesting, because it is a surprise!
- Do not leave backpacks, bags, or anything that even looks like it could contain valuables in plain sight. Thieves will break your window just to see if it is worth taking.
- Consider not keeping your garage remotes in the car. Thieves will steal them, get your address from your registration/insurance card, and give themselves easy access. Take the remote with you if possible.
- Do not leave your gun in your car.
