Dear Neighbor,
Nassau County Police has asked all residents to please keep your vehicles locked, day or night, and to never leave your keys or FOB in your car. They also advise to never leave valuables in view in your car, whether parked in your driveway or on a street or in a parking lot. Car thefts and break-ins (and attempts) remain a crime of opportunity, especially in more affluent neighborhoods. Police note that thieves are shifting their searches from evening to daytime, in an attempt to catch car owners off-guard. While many are already locking up their cars and removing their keys or FOB, criminals are still finding many targets.
Car thefts are attractive to criminals because it is a lower risk crime. When a thief enters your unlocked car, rummages through your belongings and leave with nothing, it becomes nuisance criminal activity and is very difficult to effectively prosecute. However, if thieves get just a few successful thefts of possessions in a neighborhood, that area remains an attractive target.
While Nassau County Police are constantly on patrol, you can help by following these tips:
See something; say something; CALL 911. If you see suspiciously activity such as unknown persons scouting for targets or checking car door handles, don’t place yourself in danger - CALL 911 ASAP. Thieves often intentionally conceal their face with masks or hooded shirt/jackets as they search. If you are a victim, call 911 as soon as you discover it. Some residents feel embarrassed and don’t report incidents to police when nothing is taken. Don’t be embarrassed. Any details help police investigations. If you have a surveillance system that captures suspicious persons or vehicle license plates, give that information or video to responding police.
In some more modern vehicles, when key FOBs are left inside the car, the mirrors remain standing out; when the FOB is removed from car, mirrors automatically fold inward. Thieves look for these signs and know they can get into your car.
For older vehicles, be aware that vehicle catalytic converter thefts are on the rise. The cost to replace a catalytic converter can be $1,000 or more. Experienced thieves can crawl under your car and cut out the catalytic converter in under 2 minutes, even doing it in a crowded parking lot in broad daylight. It’s a part of a vehicle exhaust system that converts harmful gas engine exhaust to less harmful emissions. It often causes your check engine lamp to illuminate and replacement is needed to pass a NYS required annual inspection vehicle emission test. The precious metal global scarcity and cost is making catalytic converters more prone to theft. If you do need a replacement, be suspicious of low cost used parts as they are often unscrupulous stolen parts, exacerbating this criminal activity. Always use a reputable mechanic.
Comments