TLHCA

“I tell people, if you don’t want to lose it, don’t leave it in your car.”  Says Detective Damon Washington, a member of Arlington’s Auto Theft Unit.

Portable GPS devices, in particular, are very popular with criminals these days.  150 GPS units were reported stolen in Arlington in 2007, a significant increase from 2006 when approximately 36 units were taken.  Already, in just the first two months of 2008, thieves have taken more than 100 GPS units from vehicles in Arlington.

In a majority of these cases the items stolen were either left in plain sight, or there was evidence that the vehicle might contain something of value.  For example, sometimes the vehicles owners concealed the GPS units, but they left the mount and charging cables in plain view alerting the thieves that there could be a unit hidden inside.

The following tips will help motorists safeguard their property:

* Do not leave GPS units, iPods, cell phones, or other electronic devices in vehicles.  That is the best way to protect them.
* Do not leave accessories for these devices visible in your vehicles.  That will just tempt thieves to break-in.
* Don’t store electronic devices in the glove box or under the seat. Thieves will quickly find them.
* Use a micro fiber cloth or moist towelettes to wipe away suction cup marks on the windshield.
* Record all the serial numbers of your personal electronics.  If the items are stolen and recovered then they can be identified.
* Use passwords on your personal electronics if so equipped.  That will make the equipment less resalable and therefore less desirable to thieves.
* Try to park in well-lit, busy areas and always report suspicious activity.