San Luis Obispo Police are advising the public about a string of car break-ins over the past few weeks, most of which were to vehicles left unlocked.
“These thefts are occurring mostly in the early morning hours while still under the cover of darkness,” said Sgt. Brian Amoroso in a news release. “In many of these recent cases the vehicles were unlocked providing easy access to the thieves.”
Sgt. Amoroso explained that such thefts are crimes of opportunity, with the scoundrels constantly on the lookout for easy marks — unlocked vehicles. In this latest series, he said the stolen items have mostly been things like loose change, sunglasses and other items. These were also mostly on the south end of town “but it’s common all over the city,” he added. “Although we do have them almost nightly, they do come in bunches, as these guys work a neighborhood trying every car door on a block.”
Sgt. Amoroso offered some simple but effective tips to protect yourself from being a victim:
• Keep your vehicle locked at all times;
• Remove valuables from vehicles;
• If valuables must remain in the vehicle, move them to locked compartments;
• Park your vehicle in a secured area such as a garage whenever possible;
• Park in well-lit areas;
• Add motion activated lighting to driveways or other areas where vehicles are parked; and,
• Be on the lookout for individuals walking through neighborhoods in the early morning hours, frequently in dark clothing and carrying backpacks.
Police are asking citizens “to be vigilant in protecting their property and keep a watchful eye in their residential neighborhoods.” Readers should contact police if they see suspicious activity.
