Historical October 1989 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
It’s an expensive problem.
A big part of the challenge is to take away the opportunity for the theft to occur. We’ve all done a pretty good job of learning to “Lock it & Pocket the Key!’ Now let’s create some more good habits. You know that trunk of yours?
It is capable of holding more than the spare tire.
If you don’t want your window smashed and your tools, briefcase, and packages taken—lock them in the trunk.
There are 2½ times more people victimized by theft from their car than theft of their car. Upcoming November and December is the stealing season. License plates and license tags are also frequently stolen, and often used on stolen cars. Get in the good habit of checking your plates.
A few drops of solder on the bolts or blurring the threads will help safeguard your plates. Take off old tags before applying new ones. Make cuts across the tags after they are applied so that they won’t peel off easily. Park in well lit and busy areas. Avoid unattended parking lots. Strongly consider security devices on your car.
This may include an alarm, a steering column collar, a fuel or electronic “kill switch:’ locks for the tape decks, batteries and wheel hubs. It’s often not the first battery that gets stolen that they want. It’s the new replacement battery that they will be back to steal. Last but not least let’s understand that most stolen cars are recovered, but often without their stereos or tires.
Please be wary of buying used parts, tires, and stereos because if you buy stolen goods you are directly encouraging an auto thief to rip-off another victim. TAKE ACTION— Familiarize yourself with the cars and people on your block. Observe, record, and report any suspicious cars and people. Take some preventive action so that you’re not a victim.
If you know someone who’s been victimized, help them out with a ride or support in prosecuting. Don’t buy property that may be stolen.
In fact, verify the VIN plate is intact and check it against the VIN on the ownership documents to make sure that the used car you’re buying isn’t stolen.
If we can help, give us a call at Operation SafeStreet-622-3444.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, October 1989.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1989_10.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
