With an increasing number of items being stolen from motor vehicles, Peachtree City police are urging residents to take steps to prevent such crimes.
The city has seen an uptick in thefts from motor vehicles, both those parked in driveways in neighborhoods and also those in public parking lots, police said.
Residents are always urged to lock their vehicle’s doors, even if parked at home in the driveway, and also to avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, such as GPS units, laptops, cellphones, purses and wallets.
Police also advise to:
• Put valuables in the trunk before you park. Never after you park, (thieves may be watching you);
• Lock trunk-bed toolboxes;
• When possible, park your vehicle in your locked garage;
• If your must park on the street avoid dark or isolated areas; and
• If at all possible only carry the items you need while you are out. Leave items such as Social Security cards, extra checkbooks, extra credit cards, and extra keys at home. Once thieves have possession of these items you can continue to be victimized.
And should your vehicle be broken into, police urge citizens to follow these steps:
• Step away from the vehicle and contact the police;
• Don’t touch the vehicle or anything inside the vehicle to avoid damaging possible evidence;
• If identifying items were stolen from your vehicle contact your bank and credit card company immediately and advise them of the theft; and
• Keep a list of important numbers such as, the numbers to your bank and credit card companies, and serial numbers to all the electronic items you own.
