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Vehicle break-ins
are an internationally common
crime, and the Village of
Highland Falls is not immune.
The good news is there are
things that we can do to protect
ourselves from having our cars
broken into and our personal
property stolen:
·
Leave any items
home that might be attractive to
thieves.
·
Put your
valuables in the trunk!
Put items attractive to thieves
in your trunk before
you arrive at your destination.
o
Putting the items
in your trunk while at your
parking spot can tip off a thief
that you have good property to
steal.
o
Never leave
anything visible inside your
vehicle!
This is the single most
important thing you can do to
prevent your car window from
being smashed and your valuables
stolen.
o
Thieves take
things you might think are
worthless.
·
Take with you,
leave at home or store in your
trunk any of the following
items:
o
GPS units (always
wipe of the suction cup ring on
your windshield – that ring is a
dead give away to a thief that a
GPS device is inside your
vehicle. GPS units are the most
common items stolen during a car
break-in.
o
Handbags, purses,
wallets, gym bags, and
briefcases are the second most
stolen items during a car
break-in.
o
Cell Phones
o
MP3 players
o
Chargers (even if
you hide your electronics, if
the thief sees the charger, they
will break into a car on the
assumption that the GPS, cell
phone, or MP3 player is hidden
under your seat, in an interior
compartment, or inside your
trunk.
o
Stereo
faceplates, satellite radio
receivers
o
Radar detectors
o
Loose change – to
some your spare change is a
fortune. A car thief will
break into your car to steal
your change out of a cup holder
or ash tray
o
CD’s or DVD’s
o
Laptops and cases
·
Park in a well
lighted location with large
amounts of foot traffic. Avoid
parking on an isolated side
streets or parking lots.
·
Roll up your car
windows all the way,
and lock your doors!
Engage your car alarm if you
have one, but understand that a
car alarm alone may not deter a
thief from breaking into your
car. The amount of time
necessary for a thief to break
into your car and steal your
property is less than 30
seconds, not enough time for
them to be scared away so
easily.
What to do if you
see a car break –in in progress
·
Call the Highland
Falls Police department directly
at 845-446-4911 or 911 and
report the incident.
·
When talking to
the dispatcher, try to give as
much information as possible,
specifically:
o
LOCATION of the
incident:
Address, cross
streets, or specific location.
o
DESCRIPTION OF
THE SUSPECT(S):
Provide as much information as
possible, such as sex, race,
age, height, weight, hair color
and length, facial hair, color
and style of clothing,
identifying marks such as
tattoos or piercings, etc.
o
DIRECTION:
Give a direction of travel if
the thief flees. If the thief
flees in a vehicle, give a
description of the vehicle, and
attempt to provide a license
plate.
o
DESCRIPTION OF
THE VICTIM’S VEHICLE:
If possible give
the color, make, model, and
license plate for the vehicle.
If it is your vehicle advise the
dispatcher.
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