Botland car break-ins prompt suggestions to thwart thieves who steal from vehicles

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 — The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office reported Tuesday that there were several thefts from vehicles in the area of Manton Road during the overnight hours between Monday night and Tuesday morning. The thefts were reported between 7 and 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Most of these thefts are crimes-of-opportunity, and residents can help avoid becoming an victim by following some simple precautions.

1. Always lock your vehicle, even in your driveway.
2. Never leave items of value in your vehicle for an extended period of time, i.e., overnight.
3. Never leave a firearm inside your vehicle. The sheriff’s office has has 18 thefts of firearms reported this year, most of them from unlocked vehicles.
4. If you have to leave items of value in your vehicle for a short time, secure them in the truck or an area where the times are out of sight.

The approaching holiday season means more people are out shopping for gifts and spending time with family and friend. This represents opportunity for thieves to look for opportunities to steal from unsecured vehicles.

If you plan to travel during the holidays, ask a trustworthy neighbor to keep an eye on your home, and to check on the home and vehicles while you are away.

-30-