During the months of February and March of this year, the Pleasanton Police Department reported a 20% increase in thefts from vehicles over the same period last year. In total, there were 76 thefts from vehicles reported to the Pleasanton Police Department. Police report that 50% of the reported thefts were from unlocked vehicles in which the vehicle owners simply left their doors unlocked with valuable items in plain sight.

The Pleasanton Police Department considers auto burglary a priority and a focus for officers patrolling local neighborhoods and detectives following up on leads. While vehicle burglaries may seem random, there are a few simple steps residents can take to protect their vehicles and property.

o Keep your car locked at all times and use your car alarm if you have one.
o Do not leave any valuables in your car.
o If you have valuables, discretely lock them in your trunk before you arrive at your destination. Burglars will wait in parking lots and watch as you place your valuables into your trunk.
o A purse, shopping bags, GPS device, satellite radio, cell phone and even coins in the center console may tempt a thief to smash your car window and steal them.
o Record serial numbers to all electronics and keep them stored in a safe place. There is a greater chance of locating stolen property and developing leads with detailed identifying information.
o Consider installing a surveillance camera overlooking your driveway or the front of your house.
o Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately about all suspicious activity. Don’t worry about feeling embarrassed if your suspicions are wrong; think instead about what could happen if your suspicions are right and you don't call. It is the Police Department’s job to investigate suspicious matters, and any assistance in spotting suspicious persons or activities is appreciated.
For more information, please call the Pleasanton Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at
(925) 931-5233 or log onto http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/police/prevention/.