Thefts from Vehicles

Police Departments throughout the tri-county area are experiencing an increase in theft from vehicle complaints. Most of the thefts occur during the evening or early morning hours. Here are some helpful tips that may deter a thief from targeting your vehicle.

There have been a number of theft from auto reports involving vehicles parked at the Melrose Train Station in the past month. The actor is smashing windows to access valuables (purses, GPS devices etc) which are left out in view. Please do your part to combat this crime by removing valuable items from plain sight in your car.  

  • Immediately report suspicious activity in your neighborhood to the Police.

  • Never leave a car door unlocked, or window or sunroof open, even when just going into a shop for a moment or two or even when parked in your own driveway. It is amazing how many people do not lock their vehicles.

  • Park in well lit areas of parking lots and utilize motion activated spotlights in your driveway.

  • Remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock, even when parking on your own property.

  • If you have an alarm, turn it on every time you park.

  • Security mark your stereo or satellite radio and if it is a removable type always take it with you.

  • Make a note of the serial numbers on radios, computers, etc.

  • Do not leave purses, backpacks, or wallets in the vehicle..

  • Never leave credit cards or check books in the vehicle.

  • Never leave money (cash or coins) or jewelry in in the vehicle.

  • If you have a garage or access to a garage, use it. Then lock the garage. If you have an attached garage make sure the door between the house and garage is always locked. If your garage door opener is stolen from your vehicle, you risk giving the criminal access to your entire home.

If you are a victim of a theft from auto incident, file a police report. It is difficult for the Police Department to analyze crime trends and patterns without having an accurate picture of what crimes are occurring in what areas. If you are a victim of a theft from auto incident, please notify the Cheltenham Police Department as soon as possible. Try to avoid touching the vehicle until after the responding Police Officer has an opportunity to inspect the vehicle for any evidence left behind by the thief.