10/20/2025
RECENT VEHICLE BURGLARIES IN LANSING
Over the weekend, there were several vehicles that were burglarized and one vehicle was reported stolen. To help prevent vehicle burglary and theft, you should lock your doors and windows and remove all valuables. If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, make sure they are hidden from sight. Something as simple as spare change left in vehicles seems to invite thieves to rummage through vehicles looking for more. If you have cameras on the outside of your home make sure you have one facing the area the vehicle is parked. Outdoor lighting is also good deterent, so light it up.
HERE ARE SOME MORE HELPFUL TIPS AND THINGS TO THINK ABOUT STRAIGHT FROM AI:
Control access to your vehicle
• Always lock doors and close windows. A high percentage of vehicle break-ins happen because a car was left unlocked. A small gap in a window is all a thief needs to "fish" for valuables or unlock the door.
• Never leave your vehicle running unattended. Whether you're warming it up or just running a quick errand, an idling car with the keys inside is an open invitation for thieves.
• Take your keys with you. Do not leave spare keys inside your car or hide them under the floor mat or in the glove box, as these are common locations checked by thieves.
• Secure your key fob. Thieves can use a "relay attack" to copy the signal from your key fob to unlock your car. Store your fob in a signal-blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag, especially when inside your home.
• Keep your garage door opener hidden. If you park your car in the driveway or on the street, remove the opener from your vehicle or keep it out of sight. A thief could use it to gain access to your home.
Remove or conceal valuables
• Bring valuables with you. Any item that looks valuable, such as a purse, wallet, phone, or shopping bag, should be taken with you when you leave the vehicle. Even loose change can attract a thief.
• Hide items in the trunk before you arrive. Avoid moving items to the trunk after you've parked, especially in a public place. Thieves often watch parking lots for people who hide their valuables.
• Hide proof of electronics. Cords, adapters, or a GPS suction-cup ring on the windshield can signal that valuable electronics are stowed away in the car. Hide all accessories and wipe off any suction-cup marks.
• Black out your vehicle registration. Make a photocopy of your vehicle registration and black out your address. Keep the copy in your vehicle and the original in a safe place at home to prevent identity theft.
Park in safe locations
• Choose well-lit and busy areas. Thieves prefer dimly lit or secluded spots where they are less likely to be seen. Parking near entrances or streetlights increases visibility.
• Park in secured garages. If possible, park in a locked garage with security cameras or an attendant.
• Turn your wheels toward the curb. When parked on the street, this makes it more difficult for a thief to tow your vehicle.
Use security devices
• Use a car alarm. A loud alarm can act as a deterrent. If you have an alarm, make sure to set it every time you park.
• Install a steering wheel lock. A physical lock can make it more difficult for a thief to drive away with your car and is a visible sign of extra security.
• Etch your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Permanently marking your VIN on your windows makes it harder for thieves to sell the vehicle or its parts and can aid law enforcement.
• Consider a kill switch or immobilizer. An immobilizer prevents the engine from starting without the correct key or fob. A kill switch is a hidden manual switch that cuts power to the ignition.
• Install a GPS tracker. This can help you and law enforcement track and recover your vehicle if it is stolen.
