The Quad Cities area is experiencing an increase in vehicular theft. Follow these tips from the Davenport Police Department to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of car theft.
- Always lock your vehicle when left unattended. Even on your driveway or in the garage.
- Never leave keys in your vehicle or in the ignition. Do not hide the keys or fob in your vehicle.
- Do not leave any valuables inside your vehicle, especially in plain view. Electronic devices, cell phones, laptop computers, cameras, GPS devices and eyeglasses/sunglasses are small and easily concealable items that are often left inside vehicles and stolen.
- Never leave firearms inside your vehicle.
- Do not leave vehicle titles, identification items or financial documents such as your driver’s license, social security card, checkbook or credit cards inside your vehicle.
- Never leave your garage door opener in the vehicle when parked outside your residence without locking your car doors. A thief can easily open your garage door and gain entry right into your home through an attached and unlocked door.
- If you are going to warm or cool your vehicle before getting into it, consider investing in a remote starter.
Additional Information:
- Most stolen vehicles have been easy targets, such as a car running unattended or a car with unlocked doors with keys in it.
- Vehicle thefts are occurring throughout our communities in ALL neighborhoods from driveways, unlocked garages, open garage doors, convenience stores and gas stations.
- The most prevalent age group for the suspects of stolen vehicles is 12-18 years of age. The youngest was 11.
- Once having possession of a stolen vehicle, suspects are driving recklessly, endangering lives and committing thefts and burglaries. Some have been involved in shootings, committing hit and run crashes and fleeing from police.
- When recovered, many stolen vehicles are found to have significant damage from crashes.