TYNGSBOROUGH — Police Chief Shaun Woods reports that the Tyngsborough Police Department is urging residents to lock their vehicle doors every single night as reports of vehicle break-ins have increased around town.
During the last two weeks, the Tyngsborough Police Department has seen a significant uptick in the number of motor vehicle break-ins being reported. The reports have been focused mostly around apartment complexes and densely settled areas where suspects have access to multiple vehicles in close proximity.
The vast majority of the vehicles that have been broken into had their doors unlocked, making them easy targets for thieves.
“I encourage all residents to ensure that their vehicle doors are locked overnight, and that residents not leave valuables in plain sight inside of vehicles,” said Chief Woods. “A simple check of your vehicle doors every night at 9 p.m. can help protect your vehicle and your property.”
As a result of the increase in motor vehicle break ins, the Tyngsborough Police Department is boosting patrols in affected areas and would like to offer the following safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help residents protect themselves.
When parking your vehicle:
- Take your keys. Don’t leave them in your vehicle.
- Close all windows and lock all doors.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, and if you do, make sure they are out of sight.
- Never leave credit cards/debit cards, cash or your wallet or purse inside of your vehicle overnight.
- Park in well-lit areas or preferably inside a garage, if possible. Install lights with motion sensors near where you park your vehicle.
- Get in the routine of double-checking that your vehicle is locked and secure each night around 9 p.m. This is known as the “9 p.m. Routine.”
If your vehicle has been stolen or broken into, follow these steps:
- Call 911 to report a vehicle theft or break-in. A copy of the police report and/or a case number will be needed to provide to your insurance company.
- You may be asked to provide the license plate number, make, model and color of the car, the VIN number and any identifying characteristics.
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of when you discover your vehicle was stolen or broken into.
- If you find your vehicle before authorities, contact the police immediately and then your insurance company.