OWNERS MAKE CAR THEFT EASY WHEN:
• The vehicle was left running, unattended
• A key was left in the ignition, OR
• Owner’s hidden spare key was found (glove-box, ashtray)
• The vehicle was left unlocked or a window left open
• The vehicle was not protected with any anti-theft devices
• The vehicle was parked in an isolated area

COMMON TARGETED AREAS INCLUDE:
• Mall/Shopping Center lots
• Rental car lots
• Apartment Complex lots
• New & Used Dealership lots
• Short-term Parking lots downtown
• Long-term Parking lots at airports or train stations

PROTECTION MEASURES:
• Locking devices on steering wheels or brakes (like The CLUB)
• Park in your garage (Keep garage doors closed!)
• Keep car-doors locked and windows closed
• Remove keys from vehicle
• Alarms
• Have your vehicle’s identification number etched in the window glass
• Use tracking devices to assist police in locating your vehicle (like Onstar or LoJack)
• Kill switches

USE COMMON SENSE!
Do not leave the vehicle running unattended! 

Common reasons people leave cars running unattended are:
• “I was only a minute.”
• “I was paying for gas.”
• “I was just getting a pack of cigarettes.”
• “I was warming the car.”
• “I was delivering a pizza.”

A community action oriented site to help residents improve Charleston, West Virginia neighborhoods and aid in crime prevention.

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