A Las Vegas homeowner is warning her neighbors to stay alert after her security cameras caught thieves going through cars in her area overnight. She shared the footage and her concerns with local station KTNV. The video is a showcase of a crime that’s far more common and far more preventable than many people realize.
Overnight break-ins like these usually end up following a pattern. Thieves go down a street after dark and check car after car for an easy way in. The ones who get in are usually after whatever is in plain sight, from bags and electronics to cash or garage door openers, whatever they can find.
That is why the homeowner took to the internet to sound the alarm for others. The thieves usually hit several cars on the same block in one night. That means just one warning can help an entire street lock up and pay closer attention. Sharing footage also gives police a little more to work with.
For all the alarm these videos cause, the crime behind them is one of the most common in the country, and it is largely a crime of opportunity. The overwhelming majority of these break-ins target unlocked cars, which means a few simple habits can take you off the menu entirely. Knowing how thieves operate is the first step to keeping your car from being the easy one.
How Common Are Car Break-Ins?
Theft from vehicles is one of the most common property crimes in the United States, and the experts who track it call it a crime of opportunity for a reason. The National Insurance Crime Bureau says a large share of vehicle crimes happen simply because owners leave their doors unlocked or their keys and valuables inside. Many thieves do not break windows at all. They simply walk down a street, testing door handles until one opens.
The good news is that the number of these types of crimes has actually been improving. After years of rising thefts, the number of vehicles stolen nationwide has dropped sharply over the past two years. In fact, it’s fallen to some of the lowest levels in decades. Even so, break-ins are still frequent and very frustrating. And they often take place on streets you’d think are quiet, with nothing going on.
How to Protect Your Car and Your Neighborhood
If you want to stay safe, be sure to lock your car every single time, even in your own driveway. Take anything valuable out overnight, including bags, electronics, loose change, and especially your garage door opener and spare keys. Roll the windows up, park in a well-lit spot or inside the garage when you can, and just don’t leave your car unattended.
Motion-activated lights and cameras make it easier to capture and share footage with others. If your car does get hit, report it, since a police report builds a record and can help with both investigations and insurance claims. From there, just stay vigilant. If you see something, say something.