Historical April–May 2004 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Over the winter, car theft throughout the city of St. Louis increased at an alarming rate.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police have formed special teams to address this crime. At the same time they offer the following advice: • Never leave your car running or your keys in the ignition when you are away from the vehicle, even for just a minute; • Always roll up the windows and lock the car even if it is in front of your house. • Keep packages out of sight. Secure large items in your trunk. • Do not leave stereos, cell phones, money or easily removable valuables in plain sight.
If you can’t take them with you place then in your trunk. • Park in busy, well-lighted areas with good visibility, close to walkways, stores and people. Police also remind you to be aware of the “Bump and Rob” It works like this.
A car, usually with a driver and at least one passenger, rear-ends or bumps you in traffic. You get out to check the damage.
The driver or one of the passengers jumps into your car and drives off.
If you get bumped by another car, look around before you get out. Make sure there are other cars around, check out the car that rear-ended you and who is in it.
If the situation makes you uncomfortable, stay in your car and insist on moving to a police station or busy, well-lighted area to exchange information.
Finally, car jacking, stealing a car by force, has captured headlines in the last few years. Statistically, you chances of being a car-jacking victim are very slim, and preventive action can reduce the risk even more. Police recommend: • Always approach your car with the keys already in your hand. Look around and inside before getting in. • When driving your car, keep your doors locked and windows rolled up. • Keep purses, brief cases, laptops and the like stowed on the floor or in the trunk. • Be especially alert at intersections, gas stations, ATMs, shopping malls, convenience and grocery stores. Let’s keep the number of car thefts under control – do your part to keep yourself, your family and your possessions safe.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2004.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2004_04.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
