Breaking up chop shops, alerting the public to a potential car theft ring operating in Lower Bucks County does not exactly pass for “sexy” news-based stories or coverage.
The “drugs and guns on the table” or “if it bleeds, it leads” type stories usually lead the day.
Several years ago Morrisville Borough resident Audrey Myer, a professionally licensed nurse, would take to her Meta page to remind her borough neighbors to check their vehicles and make sure all doors were locked. She did this because vehicle-related crime was hitting Morrisville hard. As someone who worked in the helping professions she felt compelled to assist her neighbors.
Myer posted the gentle reminder to the Morrisville Town Watch Meta page for months hoping it would save someone from being victimized in the borough.
Still vehicle-related crimes continue to be a focus of law enforcement county-wide.
Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Scorn in a recent release shared some pointers on how to remain out of the target scope of criminals.
Auto theft and other vehicle crimes hit differently depending on the environment, so drivers need to consider their risk and different prevention tactics depending on where they park their car. Vehicle crime may seem like a game of “whack-a-mole,” in which law enforcement can tamp down one type of crime, but it pops up in a different form, Schorn said in a release from her office.
- Handle flipping – thieves strike a variety of neighborhoods whether along a busy city street or in quiet suburban driveways. The thieves can work in groups or alone to simply “flip” car handles to try to access as many vehicles as possible in any given night. They can steal whatever is in your car, gain access to your house or garage through a remote opener or house key left in the unlocked vehicle, and try to steal your car. This crime can occur in waves with criminals returning to the same streets or neighborhoods over time.
- Predictable places and patterns – Anytime your schedule or whereabouts becomes predictable, there is an opportunity for a criminal to strike. They know you will be occupied for some time, for instance, if you’re headed into a gym to workout, into a mall to shop, or into a casino to play games. Criminals look to seize on the opportunity hoping you have left valuables in your car, or even worse, they are willing to break-in or steal it. Be sure to hide anything that would lure someone to target your car. Vary your parking location, look for security cameras and well-lit, well-trafficked parking spots.
Credit: Sunshine Foundation
Why Should I Care?
Vehicle crime impacts everyone. Even if your car is not stolen, vehicle-related crimes impact your safety, your community’s safety, and your wallet.
- When cars are stolen by force, the situation can be dangerous for the driver or anyone else nearby.
- Stolen cars are often used to commit other violent crimes like burglary or assault.
- If you leave your mail, bills, car registration, work files, or other sensitive information in your car, you and your family also become vulnerable to identity theft and home intrusion.
- When vehicles or parts are stolen, insurance rates may increase. We all pay the price.
What Can I Do?
Be aware of your surroundings, pay attention and always: lock your car and take your key. Common sense is not always common practice. Don’t give a thief the opportunity. Protect yourself, protect your community.
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