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Vehicle Prowl Prevention Tips

With the holiday season upon us, the Duluth Police Department anticipates an increase in vehicle prowls/thefts from vehicles.  Favorite areas targeted by car prowlers are retail area parking lots due to the higher number of potential targets and increased opportunity of finding valuables stored inside vehicles.  Police want to remind citizens to lock their vehicles, remove valuables or store them in the trunk, and report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1. 

Car prowls are crimes of opportunity and can occur anywhere, at any time of the day or night.  A car prowler makes a split second decision to break into a vehicle based on their observation or perception that there are valuables in the vehicle making it worth the risk.  A car prowl can be completed in less than one minute.  Most (not all) neighborhood car prowls occur between the hours of 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM.  Car prowls associated with parking lots tend to occur in the late afternoon and early evening.  Vehicles are usually entered through an unlocked door or by breaking a window. 

Car Prowl Prevention

Vehicle prowls are one of the easiest crimes to reduce with increased awareness.  The following preventative measures will reduce the chances of being the target of a vehicle prowl:

• First and foremost, NEVER leave valuables including shopping bags, purses, wallets, briefcases, laptops, cell phones, etc. in your vehicle.  Keep the interior clean and don’t leave anything that may appear valuable (wrapped gifts, retail store bags, envelope from bank, etc.).     
• Don’t store or leave car keys, credit cards, identification, or personal information in your glove box or anywhere in your car.  Remove garage door openers, key cards, and house or work keys from the car so the car prowler cannot gain access to your home.
• If you must leave valuables in your car, place them in the trunk before you get to your destination.
• Before leaving your parked car, roll up the windows, remove the keys, lock the door, and set the alarm (if you have one).
• Try to park in busy, well lit areas.  Avoid parking near anything that limits visibility like dumpsters, large vans or trucks. 
• Report any suspicious activity to the police.  One of the most important things you can do is report all suspicious activity to 9-1-1 and encourage your neighbors to do the same. 

If your car is broken into or there is a car prowl in progress, call 9-1-1.  With your help, car prowls will go down and police have a better chance of catching those responsible.