>May 19, 2010 – During the past two weeks the New Bern Police Department has seen a spike in the number of vehicle break-ins. Of the twenty-three (23) vehicles that were broken into eighteen (18) were left unlocked. The New Bern Police suggest the following tips for citizens to keep their vehicles safe and to help us reduce crime in our city:
• Do not leave electronics, purses, cell phones, shopping items in your vehicles that can be visibly seen. Lock your vehicles and secure all valuables in the trunk of your vehicle.
• Park in open, well-lighted, and populated areas near your destination, preferably one in view of a security camera. Avoid parking near trucks, vans, dumpsters, and other objects that obstruct visibility and provide hiding places. Avoid parking near strangers loitering or sitting in vehicles.
• Park in your garage, if you have one. Don’t leave vehicle on the street, in an alley, or in your driveway. If you have to park on a street, avoid dark or isolated areas.
• Turn off your engine, roll up all windows, lock all doors, and take your keys with you even if you are making a quick stop at a store or gas station, or even in your driveway. Close all windows and lock the trunk and hood.
• Don’t leave spare keys in your vehicle. An experienced thief knows all the hiding places. Store spare keys in your wallet.
• Don’t leave your vehicle in an unattended public lot for an extended period of time.
• Buy a vehicle with interior hood and trunk lock releases. Install a secondary hood lock if your car does not have one.
• Check your vehicle if you hear the alarm sound. But don’t try to stop a person attempting to break in. Get a good description of the person and call 911.
The New Bern Police Department is committed to its goal of eliminating crime in our city. Citizens are encouraged to become a “Partner in Policing”, by reporting suspected criminal activity to the New Bern Police Department’s TIPS line at (252) 636-5034 or the Craven County Crime Stoppers line at 633-5141. For additional information contact Lt.Chandler Powell at (252) 672-4128.
Frank Palombo, Chief of Police
Submitted by: Thea Morris Kincaid, Thea’s Ideas, P.O. Box A, New Bern, NC 28563, 252-636-2628