Canton, Cherokee County, Ga. October 17, 2006In recent months, the Sheriff’s office has experienced a higher volume of entering autos and vehicle thefts in the southern part of the County. Sheriff Roger Garrison would like to remind you of a few things you can do to lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim of this type of crime.
Many crimes are crimes of opportunity. Unlocked doors of your vehicle create easy access for criminals. If you leave a vehicle parked in your driveway, do not leave anything of value in the vehicle. Electronics such as laptop computers, cell phones, and MP3 players are very tempting to criminals. If you are leaving your vehicle in a parking lot area make sure you lock the doors and take all sets of keys with you. Many people have remote entry systems to their vehicles and tend use that system and leave their keys in plain view in the vehicle. Keys in plain view it become an invitation for criminals to steal your vehicle. Also, many vehicles are stolen when their owners run in to pay for gas they just pumped. Never leave an unlocked car unattended.
The same rules apply to your home. If keys are poorly hidden outside or a residence is left unlocked it becomes an easy target for criminals. Be careful of confidence schemes. One criminal may get and keep your attention while another enters your unlocked home to quickly steal lose items. If in the unfortunate circumstance a criminal does enter your home, vehicle and residence keys left in plain view give the criminal an opportunity to return later and take your vehicle or enter your home using these keys.
In conclusion, if you are leaving any property unattended, even if only for a few moments, take appropriate measures to prevent crimes of opportunity.
If you suspect you have been a victim of a crime please call 911.