From Police Officer First Class (PFC) Donald McGuigan from Prince George’s County Police Department:

Theft from automobiles in Prince George’s County are on the rise. Officer McGuigan has listed some helpful tips to help assist us all in preventing this crime of opportunity.

Theft from Auto prevention tips
1. Don’t leave your car unlocked.
2. Never leave your car running, especially while it is unattended or unlocked.
3. Do not leave a spare key near your vehicle.
4. Never leave your windows open.
Even during the summer when it is scorching hot, don’t leave your windows open or slightly cracked when you are not in the vehicle.
5. Park in well-lit, public areas.
Avoid parking in areas that are poorly lit or places that are not immediately seen by the public. This will not only keep you safe when you exit the car, it will also help keep your car safe because thieves tend to avoid areas that are highly visible.
6. Install an audible alarm system and a visible anti-theft device.
Car thieves tend to avoid cars with alarms or anti-theft devices because they attract attention when they go off. These devices are well worth the investment.
7. Install a vehicle immobilizer system.
Thieves can bypass your ignition by “hotwiring” your car. You can prevent this by using a vehicle mobilizer system such as fuel cut-offs and smart keys
8. Consider installing a GPS tracking system.
When your car is stolen, this tracking system will emit a signal to the police of your vehicle’s location. This may help the police recover your vehicle faster and may minimize the damage to your car. This may be a good investment if you live in an area with high auto theft rates.
9. Don’t leave valuable personal property in your car.
The best way to attract a thief is to leave your purse or another high-value item in a highly visible area of your car. If you must put something of value in your car, keep it in the trunk or under the seats, where it is not visible to others. Do not place your purse in the trunk while in the parking lot of your destination. Thieves might be watching you.
10. Use Common Sense.
If you are wary of the safety of your car or see someone loitering around the parking lot, it’s best to park somewhere else. It’s better to walk a few extra steps than to have your car stolen because you ignored your instincts.