Prevent Car Burglary and Car Theft

Contact:  Elaine Beno/Jeff Spring
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
	     714-885-2324

      			
AUTO CLUB:  KEEP YOUR CAR FROM BEING BURGLARIZED OR STOLEN 
Vehicle Owners Throughout Southern California Should be Vigilant Against
Thieves

(LOS ANGELES, Feb. 4, 2009) - Seventeen vehicles in Costa Mesa were
burglarized in a single evening in late January and numerous vehicles in
Laguna Beach were also hit when thieves smashed car windows.  In Los
Angeles, a young couple's car and iPod were stolen while the couple was
in a local hospital maternity ward having a baby.  Thieves are targeting
in-car entertainment and GPS navigation systems, iPods, and briefcases
and gym bags that may contain valuables, according to police reports. 

The Automobile Club of Southern California recommends Southland drivers
lock up their vehicles as well as their valuables to keep their car from
being broken into or even stolen.  "Simple precautions can keep
electronics as well as vehicles from being taken," said David Womble,
one of the Auto Club's group managers for claims.

Several older sedan models, including Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords, and
Civics, in addition to Chevrolet trucks, and SUVs are targets for car
thieves for small electronics, personal items and information, car
parts, and wheels and rims, according to Womble. 

The Auto Club's top tips to help prevent vehicle burglary and vehicle
theft are:

*	Always lock your vehicle with the windows closed.  Never leave
valuables inside the car, especially not in clear view, including small
electronics, wallets, check books, credit cards, personal paperwork or
any personal identification.   

*	Bring your electronics and personal items into your home or
office with you whenever possible.

*	Use anti-theft or automatic tracking devices. If your vehicle
wasn't equipped with an alarm or hidden tracking device when purchased,
have one installed.
	
*	Never leave your keys in your vehicle, even at a gas station.  

*	Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area at night.  Don't leave
your vehicle in a high-crime area.

*	Never hide a spare ignition key in your vehicle.  Remove keys
from under floor mats, sun visor, etc. 
	
*	Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a secure garage. 

*	Never leave the vehicle running at any time when you're not in
it.  This includes your driveway, while picking up friends, or while at
a gas station, grocery store, or shopping mall.
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