The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reminds members of the community to lock your cars, when leaving them unattended.  An increased number of vehicle thefts and burglaries to vehicles throughout the county has occurred over the past several weeks.  While our sheriff’s deputies, detectives, and sheriff’s canines have been successful in apprehending several of these thieves, additional incidents have been reported. 

Car burglars tend to target unlocked cars parked in driveways during the overnight hours.  Generally, burglars will go driveway to driveway, checking door handles to see if they can enter an unlocked car.  Once inside, they will steal anything of value.  They may also use the garage door opener to attempt to enter the garage or residence.  

Thieves who desire to steal your car generally target vehicles left unoccupied while running in a driveway, a parking lot, on the street, or the vehicle was parked, but a spare key or spare key fob was left inside the vehicle.  Thieves rarely ‘hotwire’ vehicles anymore.

When a vehicle is left running or keys/key fobs are left inside the vehicle, a thief can steal it in seconds.  Often times if the stolen vehicle is located by law-enforcement, the thief flees from law-enforcement in the stolen car.

 Some basic tips can help reduce the chance of becoming a victim:

•    Don’t leave cars running while unoccupied – even with the doors locked

•    Don’t leave spare keys or key fobs in the vehicle

•    Always keep your vehicle locked

•    Remove valuables from your vehicle

•    Keep residential exterior lighting on during the overnight hours

•    Consider residential video surveillance

•    Always call 911 if you see suspicious activity