Tag: Davenport

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.

1. Always lock your vehicle when left unattended. Even on your driveway or in the garage.
2. Never leave keys in your vehicle or in the ignition. Do not hide the keys or fob in your vehicle.
3. 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.
4. Never leave firearms inside your vehicle.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. If you are going to warm or cool your vehicle before getting into it, consider investing in a remote starter.

Additional Information:

1. Most stolen vehicles have been easy targets, such as a car running unattended or a car with unlocked doors with keys in it.
2. Vehicle thefts are occurring throughout our communities in ALL neighborhoods from driveways, unlocked garages, open garage doors, convenience stores and gas stations.
3. The most prevalent age group for the suspects of stolen vehicles is 12-18 years of age. The youngest was 11.
4. 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.
5. When recovered, many stolen vehicles are found to have significant damage from crashes.