itDON’T MAKE IT EASY TO A

0Valuables from Vehicles

The old saying “out of sight, out ofmind” bears true with criminals.Bring valuables into the housefrom your vehicle. When awayfrom your home, lock valuables inthe trunk of your vehicle. Neverleave purses, wallets, cellularphones, jewelry or other valuablesin your parked, unattendedvehicle.

0Your Vehicles

Most criminals are not breakingwindows to steal your property.The vast majority of vehiclelarcenies are from unlocked carsand trucks. Locking your vehicleis the easiest way to prevent frombecoming a victim.

I..

Any Suspicious Activity

Police need your help to be the“eyes and ears” in our community.When you observe someone orsomething suspicious, call 911immediately. The assistance ofour residents is how we are ableto catch most criminals that breakinto cars.Don’t hesitate, report it.

Follow theseSuggestions toDeter Criminals

Items to oLeaving in PlainView

Be ofCriminal’s Methodsand Locations

Cell phones

GPs navigation system

Charger cords

Antennas

Pagers

Sports equipment (golf andbaseball bags)

iPods

Cigarettes

Weapons

Ci~s/DVDs

Briefcases

Purses

Wallets

• Radar detectors

Laptop computers

Removable radios

~à Clothing

Money (loose change)

Cassette tapes

Address books

Credit cards

Console visors

ENTRY METHODS

• Break glass

• Use unlocked door

• Pried/jimmied window or door

• Open windows

• Open vent windows

• Sliding truck windows

• Open sun roofs

• Convertibles

HIGH RISK AREAS

• Apartment Parking Lots

• Single family residencedriveways

• Auto repair shops/dealers

• Shopping center parking lots

• Restaurant and bar parkinglots

Park parking lots

SUSPICIOUS ACTIONS

• Pulling door handles

• Looking in windows

• Odd clothing for the time ofyear (long coats and/or glovesworn in summer)

• Lookouts

• Nervous behavior

• Checking for alarms bybumping windows or bumpersfor sensitivity

• Take your keys out ofyourvehicle

• Lock your car

• Park in well-lit areas

• Park in attended lots

• Leave only ignition/door keywith the lot attendant.

• Completely close car windowswhen parking

• Do not leave valuables in plainview (place items in your truif they must be left in the car)

• Use your garage

• Lock your garage door and thevehicle inside

• Engrave expensive accessories

• Use tire/wheel locks

• Install an audible alarm

• Take out removable radios andface plates

• Avoid parking between largevehicles and big bushes (theyprovide cover for thieves)

• Do not approach your vehiclewhen a stranger is near it; Call911 or security for an escort

~S..

Tom McCutc eon .S S

Kent County Sheriff DepartmentGaines Township Community Policing Officertorn mccutcheon@kentcountymi g~v4b(61~)43~7-5189 S

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