vehicle burglaries in Big Sur

Notice from the Office of the Monterey County Sheriff.

ALERT
VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Due to recent reported burglaries and thefts from vehicles in Pebble Beach and
along Hwy 1 in the Carmel and Big Sur areas
the Sheriff’s Office reminds residents of and visitors to the Monterey Peninsula to
always:
Lock your vehicle
Even if you are only away from it for a few minutes
Do not leave items in plain view
Lock items of value in the trunk before arriving at your destination
Be aware of others around your vehicle when you exit
Report any thefts or suspicious persons/activity to the Sheriff’s Office by calling 9-1-1!
If you have any information/possible suspects
regarding recent crimes
please contact:
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Coastal Station
(831) 647-7702
OR
to remain anonymous call
the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip Line at 1-888-833-4847
OR
leave a crime tip on the Sheriff’s Office website at http://www/sheriff/rep_crime.asp

VEHICLE SECURITY

Everyday, law enforcement agencies take crime reports from victims who have had property stolen from their vehicles. Some even have their vehicle stolen.

Though nothing can prevent you from ever being the victim of this type of crime, there are things you can do to lessen the odds of you being victimized.

Most vehicle burglars are opportunists and will look for the vehicle that is unlocked, or the one that is locked but has valuables left inside.

Even if your vehicle is locked and alarmed, if there are valuables in view, (even covered up) a window may be smashed to gain entry and steal your property.

This all can occur in a matter of seconds.
Don’t make it easy for thieves:
Never leave the keys inside the vehicle
Make sure that the windows are all the way up before locking your vehicle
Lock your vehicle even if you are only going to be away from it a short time
Lock your vehicle even if it is parked in your driveway, inside your garage, or on the street in front of your residence
Make sure to activate your vehicle alarm whenever you exit/lock your vehicle
Do not leave valuables (i.e. purses, wallets, cellular/smart phones, cameras, laptop computers etc.) inside your vehicle even if it is locked
Even if your vehicle is locked and alarmed, do not attempt to “hide” valuables under the seat or under an item of clothing in the vehicle
If you have a removable faceplate on your stereo, always remove and take it with you. Do not leave it in the glove compartment.
Please report any theft from your vehicle immediately to your local law enforcement agency. It is up to you whether or not you choose to report the theft to your insurance company.
If you observe anyone acting suspiciously in the area of your vehicle or in your neighborhood, report it immediately to law enforcement by dialing 9-1-1.
Do not keep a “Hide-a-Key” in the wheel well. Burglars will look for this. When they find one, not only will they be able to steal the property inside your vehicle, but you have also just made it easy for them to steal your vehicle!
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