Car Break-In Prevention Tips

Vehicle break-ins are an internationally common crime, and the City of Scappoose is not immune. The good news is there are things that you can do to protect yourself from having your car broken into and your personal property stolen.

• Leave any items home that might be attractive to thieves.
• Put your junk in the trunk! And put items attractive to thieves in your trunk before you arrive at your destination.
• Putting the items in your trunk while at your parking spot can tip off a thief that you have good property to steal.
• Never leave anything visible inside your vehicle! This is the single most important thing you can do to prevent your car window from being smashed and your valuables stolen.
• Thieves take things you might think are worthless, smashing your car windows in the process.
• Take with you, leave at home or store in your trunk any of the following items: GPS units (always wipe off the suction cup ring on your windshield – that ring is a dead give-away to a thief that a GPS device is inside your vehicle. GPS units are the most common items stolen during a car break-in. Handbags, purses, wallets, gym bags, and briefcases are the second most stolen items during a car break-in. Cell Phones, MP3 players, Chargers (even if you hide your electronics, if a thief sees the charger, they'll break into the car on the assumption that the GPS, cell phone, or MP3 player is hidden under your seat, in an interior compartment, or inside your trunk. Stereo faceplates, satellite radio receivers, Radar detectors, Loose change – to some your spare change is a fortune. A car thief will break your window to steal your 73 cents out of the vehicle cup holder or ash tray. CD's, DVD's, Laptops and cases
• Park in a well-lit location with large amounts of foot traffic. Avoid parking on an isolated side street
• Park in a parking lot that has an attendant
• Roll up your car windows all the way, and lock your doors. Engage your car alarm, but understand that car alarms do not deter thieves from breaking into your vehicle. The amount of time necessary for a thief to break into your vehicle and steal your property is less than 30 seconds, not enough time for them to be scared away by the alarm.

What to do if you see a car break-in in progress:

Call 911 or the Non- Emergency Dispatch (503) 397-1521 to report the incident.

When talking to the dispatcher, try to give as much information as possible, specifically:

LOCATION of the incident: Address, cross streets, or specific location inside a parking lot

DESCRIPTION OF THE SUSPECT: Provide as much information as possible, such as sex, race, age, height, weight, hair color and length, color and length of facial hair, colors and style of clothing, identifying marks such as tattoos or piercings, etc.

DIRECTION: Give the direction of travel if the thief flees. If the thief flees in a vehicle, give the description of the vehicle, and attempt to provide a license plate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VICTIM'S VEHICLE. Give the color, make, model and license plate (if available)

Thank you for your continued support of your community, Chief Norman Miller.

COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY AND COMPASSION