Concord PD Addresses Spike in Car Break-Ins & What Residents Can Do

News from the CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENT:

The Concord Police Department is urging the public to take some basic precautions to protect vehicles and personal property due to a recent state-wide and Bay Area spike in car-related crime.

In response to this recent trend, the Concord Police has implemented several approaches: proactive patrol, focused and comprehensive investigations, and community outreach and education. 

However, for the Police Department to be successful in reducing car-related crime in Concord, the department needs the awareness, vigilance, and support of the public to simply make it harder for car burglars and thieves to commit these thefts. 

Together, residents and Police Officers can reduce the frequency of these crimes, as well as arrest and prosecute those responsible.

Residents are encouraged to follow these steps to protect vehicles and personal property:

• When parking your car, take your valuables with you whenever possible.  Leaving valuables visible in your car is a sure way to attract the attention of a thief. Be sure to always lock your vehicle and close all the windows when it is unattended.
• At night, try to park in well-lit areas of parking lots or heavily-traveled areas if parked curbside. Consider using an inexpensive vehicle security device (“The Club”) or ignition-disabling alarm system to reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen. Always take your car keys with you! Properly secured cars will absolutely have a deterrent effect on many criminals.
• Call 9-1-1 to report suspicious behavior, and allow the police to investigate if that behavior is innocent or criminal. It is always better to call and let the police do their job, rather than rationalize suspicious behavior and not call. For example, people loitering in parking lots and peering into cars or trying door handles are absolutely suspicious behaviors, and merit a 9-1-1 call right away.

For more information, visit  www.cityofconcord.org/police/preventcrime.