Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/133618
Sarasota News Leader May 31, 2013 Page 58 REMINDERS OFFERED FOR PREVENTING VEHICLE BURGLARIES The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is recriminals know to check the glove box, unminding residents to help crack down on veder a towel or beneath the seat. hicle burglaries — a crime of opportunity that 3.If you have an SUV or another model with can be stopped in a few simple steps. an open cargo area, get a retractable fitted It takes less than a minute for a thief to break cover to keep items hidden. a car window and snatch a purse or valuable electronics that are left in plain view, a news 4.Stow your items before you park. Experienced thieves stake out parking lots to release notes. It takes even less time to reach watch for people putting items in their into a vehicle that has been left unlocked and steal the cash in the console or other belongtrunks. ings. 5.Trust your instincts. Avoid parking in unlit The top five common sense tips to prevent or overly concealed areas. If you see somevehicle burglaries follow: one suspicious, tell security or contact local law enforcement. 1.Keep windows closed and doors locked. The majority of local vehicle burglaries in- "The best defense is to not have valuables volve unlocked cars, and the crime would in your vehicle, so plan ahead," the release not happen if the door did not open. points out. "Think about where you are going, 2.Hide your valuables. Stash your things out what items you absolutely need and what you of sight, preferably in a locked trunk. Even could leave at the office or at home." Deputies advise people parking at Siesta Public Beach to be especially cautious about locking their vehicles and stowing any valuables in the trunks. Photo by Rachel Hackney