MobilityTechzone

Latest News

TMCNet: Thefts of autos, their contents, on rise: APD says burglars thrive on GPS units, laptop computers, cell phones, Mp3 players

[August 17, 2010]

Thefts of autos, their contents, on rise: APD says burglars thrive on GPS units, laptop computers, cell phones, Mp3 players

ATHENS, Aug 16, 2010 (Athens Daily Review - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Thieves are on the prowl in Athens, just looking for unlocked motor vehicles with some valuables inside.

Athens Police Department Detective Sgt. Don Yarbrough said auto burglars prey on the careless, and like to take gadgets like GPS units, laptop computers, cell phones and Mp3 players.

"Car burglaries have increased quite a bit," Yarbrough said. "And most of it is from people leaving things right out in the open." The burglars cruise WalMart parking lots, residential areas and other parts of town hoping to find an unlocked door or rolled-down window.

"It's all over. There's not one particular spot," Yarbrough said.

When the thieves see an adapter cord in the cigarette lighter outlet, that's a good sign there may be something valuable inside the vehicle.

You should also keep cases for computers, video games and other electronic devices hidden.

"You just can't leave anything in your car," Yarbrough said.

Even when the thieves are caught on video surveillance cameras, they are often difficult to identify, and often come from outside Athens.

"Of course, at your house there aren't any videos," Yarbrough said. "We're having a lot in the residential areas right now. We've had a spike in the number of them over the last two months." APD has also had several auto thefts reported in recent weeks. Yarbrough said many of those cases involve someone borrowing a motor vehicle. then not returning it. Other thefts may be drug-related, Yarbrough said.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles offers some tips to avoid becoming a victim of an auto burglary or theft.

-- Hide your valuables. Items in the open make your car a bigger target.

--Take your keys, and never leave a second set in your vehicle. Twenty percent of stolen vehicles had keys inside them, making the theft even easier.

--Lock your car. Almost half of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked.

--Park in well-lit or heavily-trafficked areas. Thieves do not like witnesses. Find an attended lot or garage, if possible.

--Give parking attendants the ignition key only. Keep your trunk and glove box locked at all times. If possible, get separate keys for the ignition and the trunk and glove box --Never leave your car running unattended. Cars are often stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, or when an owner leaves the vehicle running to warm it up.

--Install an anti-theft device.

To see more of the Athens Daily Review or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.athensreview.com/. Copyright (c) 2010, Athens Daily Review, Texas Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail services@mctinfoservices.com, or call 866-280-5210 (outside the United States, call +1 312-222-4544).

[ Back To www.mobilitytechzone.com/wimax's Homepage ]
FOLLOW MobilityTechzone

Subscribe to MobilityTechzone eNews

MobilityTechzone eNews delivers the latest news impacting technology in the Wireless industry each week. Sign up to receive FREE breaking news today!
FREE eNewsletter
Interview with VPI Systems
TMC's Rich Tehrani speaks with Russ Green, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Management for VPI Systems
Interview with Thrupoint
TMC's Paula Bernier speaks with David Jodoin, Chief Strategy Officer for Thrupoint
Interview with Nuance
TMC's Erik Linask speaks with Christy Clark Murfitt, Sr Manager of Solutions Mktg, Enterprise Division for Nuance
Interview with Abukai
TMC's Erik Linask speaks with Philipp Schloter, President & CEO of Abukai
Interview with DragonWave
TMC’s Stefanie Mosca speaks with Greg Friesen, VP, Product Management of DragonWave