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Vehicle prowls and theft from vehicles is a significant problem in Duluth and all communities nationwide.  From the criminal’s standpoint, car prowling offers a wide variety of merchandise, it is easy shopping, it is low risk, it is hard to get caught, and items stolen are easy to convert to cash.  The victim is impacted by the diminished sense of safety as well as the financial loss associated with stolen credit cards, electronics, and other valuables.  The community is impacted by the subsequent check and credit card fraud as well as other crimes that stem from this.   
Vehicle prowling is a crime of opportunity.  Most often, the prowlers go in a vehicle after they simply look in a window and see something that appears to be of value.   Unfortunately, people routinely create this opportunity by leaving backpacks, purses, wallets, phones, etc. in their vehicles.   

     
Vehicle Prowl Prevention

Vehicle prowls are one of the easiest crimes to prevent.  The following measures will reduce the chances of being the target of a vehicle prowl and substantially reduce or eliminate the associated property loss and inconvenience.  
•    Keep the interior of you vehicle clean.  Never leave valuables, including bags, purses, wallets, briefcases, laptops, cell phones, loose change, or anything that may appear valuable in plain view.
•    Don’t store or leave credit cards, keys, money, checks, identification or personal information in the glove box, console, or anywhere in your car.  
•    If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, lock them in your trunk before you get to your destination.  
•    Before leaving your vehicle parked, always remove the keys, roll up the windows, and lock the doors.  Do not “hide” your keys in the vehicle—thieves know where to look and will find them.    
•    Park your vehicle in a well-lit, busy, open area.  Avoid parking near anything that limits visibility like dumpsters, large trucks, or wooded areas. 

 
There is no guaranteed way to prevent crime, but you can make yourself less likely to be a victim by following the above tips, and by using common sense.  Simply locking your vehicle and removing property from inside is half the battle.  

Remember that YOU are an important partner in the fight against crime.