For Immediate Release		January 23, 2009

Larceny from Vehicle Prevention Tips

Since December 3rd, 2008 there has been a series of 26 larcenies from vehicles that have occurred throughout the City of Hampton. Please note the following tips to help prevent future crimes of this nature from occurring on your property.

• Always lock all doors.
• Roll windows up tight.
• Use your car alarm.
• Install tapered interior door lock buttons.
• Park in heavily traveled well lit areas.
• Don't leave valuables in sight.
• Keep portable electronic devices such as global positioning system hidden and out of sight.
• Don't hide spare keys - they can be found.
• Don't think it can't happen to you - act before, not after the crime.
• Engrave an identifying number on a hidden place on the car and on any valuable components to help police identify any recovered property.
• Report any suspicious activity to the Hampton Police Division by calling 727-6111.

Environmental factors can also contribute to these types of crimes occurring. Please ensure that all of your parking lot lights are turned on and your trees and shrubbery are trimmed and well kept. Please report any street lights that are not properly functioning to 311 or 727-8311.

Hampton Police Division
Community Relations Unit
40 Lincoln Street
Hampton, Virginia 23669
757-727-6574