Auto burglaries involving forced entry to secured vehicles and other thefts from unlocked vehicles are routinely reported to the San Gabriel Police Department.  Recently there has been a significant increase in these types of property crimes in San Gabriel and throughout the region, particularly in shopping centers and other residential areas.  Unoccupied vehicles are easy targets and often contain valuable property that is attractive to thieves.  Help reduce crime in our community and protect yourself from auto burglary and theft by taking these simple steps:

• Always close your windows and lock your car.  Leaving your car unlocked is an open invitation for thieves to help themselves.  A theft can occur even in the few moments you might be inside a business while your car is out of view.

• Never leave valuables in plain sight, even if your car is locked.   A burglar will not hesitate to shatter your vehicle window if valuables are seen.  Better yet, protect your property by placing items in the trunk or removing them from your vehicle altogether.   Some of the most common stolen items are backpacks, briefcases, purses, duffle bags, cell phones, expensive sunglasses and laptop computers.

• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas while at shopping malls or other public places.  A frequently used parking lot means more potential witnesses, so a theft is less likely to occur.  Avoid obscured or remote parking areas.

• Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity to the police.

If you see something suspicious or are a victim of a crime, please report it immediately by calling the San Gabriel Police Department at (626) 308-2828 or dialing 9-1-1 for emergencies.  For further information on how to protect yourself from theft, contact Crime Prevention Officer Stacy Gutierrez at (626) 451-5455 or SG551@sgpd.com.