The Montgomery County Police Department has been involved in developing strategies to educate the public about the importance of not leaving cash and property visible inside unattended vehicles. The crime of theft from vehicle has been increasing in Montgomery County. In many cases this crime can be prevented by drivers not leaving items or change visible inside vehicles and by locking vehicles.

The 6th District recently learned of a program being used by Chicago Police which involved sending post cards to registered owners of vehicles where personal property was easily observed inside a vehicle by patrolling officers and volunteers. The license number of the vehicle is recorded. After officers determine who the vehicle is registered to, a post card is sent to alert the owner to the risk of becoming a victim of theft from vehicle.

Throughout the months of November and December, 6th District officers are consistently checking for such vehicles in apartment complexes, shopping malls, and large commercial areas. Additionally, the 2nd District is continuing to combat an increase in the theft from vehicles and patrolling targeted areas. Officers are supplementing their increased patrol by implementing the post card initiative. Officers and community volunteers are using the post cards as an additional tool to educate the public in an effort to bring awareness and take the necessary steps to prevent vehicles from being a target.

Fourth District officers are working with Police Explorer volunteers to particularly target shopping areas on busy shopping days such as Veteran’s Day and the day after Thanksgiving. On Veteran’s Day they monitored approximately 500 cars and found approximately 300 had items visible. These items included: iPods, purses, money, cell phones, brief cases, and portable Global Positioning Systems.

The owners of these vehicles will receive a post card to provide the date the vehicle was observed, a description of vehicle, and where it was seen. The items that were visible will be checked from a list of possible items that may be left in a vehicle. The postcard ends with the following message: “In an effort to reduce the thefts from automobiles, the Montgomery County Police Department is asking that in the future, you please secure your personal property out of sight in the glove compartment, console, or trunk.”

As we begin the busy holiday gift-buying season, it is particularly important that drivers who are out shopping, as well as those who live and work in Montgomery County, remember to consistently follow these important safety practices.

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