Police News - How to Protect Your Valuables

May 11, 2010

Over the last few weekends we have experienced multiple car prowls in the area. Many of the prowls have involved unlocked vehicles where valuable items were left in plain view.

Here are some things to do to deter car prowlers and keep your items safe:

Secure your vehicle by locking it when not in use. Roll the windows up and close any sunroofs.
Don’t leave items of value such as GPS units, laptops, expensive sunglasses, etc, in view. Take valuable items into the house with you.
Don’t leave bags or backpacks in your vehicles, the prowlers don’t know what is in them so they will break a window or take them expecting there might be valuables in them.
Don’t leave items such as purses and wallets in the vehicle, even if locked. All it takes is breaking a window and your items are gone.
Don’t leave cash or change in the vehicle in sight.
Don’t leave the keys in the vehicle or spare keys for other vehicles, always remove them from the vehicle. (This includes spare keys that might be in the glove box or easy to find location.)
Close and secure your garage doors, both the main door and any side doors.

If you hear or see something suspicious don’t hesitate to call 911 immediately. If you see a suspicious vehicle, try to safely get a license plate and direction of travel.

By doing these things we can help deter the prowlers from your neighborhoods and vehicles.

If you would like more information or ideas, don’t hesitate to contact us at the office M-F at 425-454-7187 or by stopping in. After hours, on weekends and holidays, call 911, tell them that is NOT an emergency and ask them for the City of Clyde Hill’s on-duty officer. They will have that officer contact you as soon as they are available.