Inattention to detail has once again cost a number of St. Joseph residents some of their prized possessions as police say that a number of cases of larceny from motor vehicles took place overnight last night in the city.
St. Joseph Department of Public Safety Interim Director Steve Nuebecker has asked us to share concerns over the volume of people who are leaving cars, trucks and SUVs unlocked and easy targets for roving thieves who decide to help themselves to your personal items.
A series of thefts took place in the city of St. Joseph between 11pm last night, Wednesday, October 17th and 7am this morning, Thursday, October 18th.
Officers from Nuebecker’s St. Joseph Department of Public Safety were joined in investigating the rash of new thefts by the Michigan State Police and St. Joseph Township Police Department. Authorities say that on October 17, 2018 at 11:30 p.m. and October 18, 2018 at 7:00 a.m., several unlocked vehicles were entered and valuables were stolen.
Nuebecker and his colleagues are asking us to encourage everyone to consider the following tips to prevent thieves from breaking into your vehicle:
- Ensure your doors are always locked.
- Always park in a well-lit area.
- Never leave any kind of money in view.
- Always roll up your windows and close your sunroofs.
- Put any shopping bags, parcels or other valuables in the trunk.
- Cover up or hide any valuables in your car.
- Take all electronics with you.
- Use an alarm system on your vehicle.
Research shows the following items are most commonly stolen from vehicles:
- Laptops
- Money
- GPS systems
- Packages
- Purses
- IPod/MP3 players
- Tools
- Credit cards
Again, police are suggesting that you always lock your vehicles and remove your valuables anytime you are not with the vehicle.
