Crime Prevention: Car Burglary Safety Tips

The last thing you need is to find your vehicle’s window broken or items missing. The Apopka Police Department suggests taking these simple, but important steps to maintain your car’s safety:

- Don’t leave valuables in your car. That sounds like common sense, but drivers/passengers do leave items of value in plain view every day. If you leave valuable items visible in your car, your car is automatically a target.

- If you must leave valuable items in your car while out and about, place items out of sight before reaching your destination or move them inconspicuously.

- Once home, unload your valuables immediately. Do not store valuables in your car any longer than necessary, and certainly never overnight.

- Try to park in busy, well-lighted areas, or in your garage (if you have one).

- Raise your windows and lock ALL of your vehicle’s doors even if you plan to be gone for only a brief time. Every week, items are stolen from unlocked vehicles where the owner expected to be away for “just a second.” Thieves often target vehicles at gas stations or parents dropping their children off at daycare centers and schools.

- Set any alarm or anti-theft device. If you have one, use it! Many people believe that car alarms no longer make a difference, but they can be an effective deterrent to an auto burglar.

- Don’t think your dark tinted windows will hide your valuables. Thieves often use flashlights to see through tint, and after-market tint is handy to keep all the broken glass in one “sheet” when they break out your window.

What to do if your vehicle is burglarized:

 As soon as you notice your vehicle has been burglarized, do not touch/adjust anything in, on, or around the car. As soon as possible, call the police to report the incident. If you see suspicious activity, call the police immediately. Apopka's Non-Emergency Number is 407-703-1757 and for emergencies please dial 911.