With unattended property crimes, cases of con games and larcenies of rims and tires rising across the confines of the 109th Precinct, the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) Crime Prevention Unit is providing the public with tips on how to keep their valuables safe.
According to the NYPD, Nissan Maximas, Cadillacs and Infinitis are the primary models being targeted.
The police suggest the following tips to prevent rim or tire theft:
- Utilize lug nut locks. Locks can be purchased for roughly $50. Car owners often use two locks per rim.
- Activate any and all alarms. Alarms equipped with a tilt sensor, which activate if the vehicle is moved, are among the most effective alarms on the market.
- Pay additional attention at night. Many thefts occur after dark, so residents are advised to pay attention to suspicious persons or vehicles in the area.
- Video cameras in the front of the house are considered a strong deterrent.
- Park your car in an area with an abundance of lighting, such as a well lit street or parking lot.
- Utilize a garage, if it is available.
- Be a good neighbor. Community involvement is vital when preventing theft, so if you witness a suspicious character, call 911. Your call will remain anonymous.
In order to prevent having your unattended property stolen, the NYPD offers the following advice:
- Do not store valuables in your vehicle. G.P.S systems, tools, laptop computers, cash and jewelry are among the items targeted by thieves.
- Keep your pocketbooks on your shoulders at all time. A woman’s pocketbook should never be left in the car, in carts while shopping or on the back of a chair while eating.
- Be aware at all times. Vehicle break-ins occur both in the daytime and overnight.
To avoid falling prey to con games, the NYPD suggests the following tips:
- Never respond to an email or phone call that claims you have won the lottery or any other prize.
- Never send a check or wire money to someone you do not know.
- Be wary of potential scams on websites such as Craigslist, which offer job and other opportunities in exchange for payment.
- Be alert while loading your car after shopping. Professional thieves will often distract you while their accomplice steals your property from the car.
- Remember the saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”
If you fall victim to or witness any of the above crimes within the confines of the 109th Precinct, call Community Affairs at 718-321-2268.
