Gastonia Police Department has an initiative underway to help reduce vehicle break-ins. A flyer with statistics and prevention tips has been distributed to more than 21 apartment complexes so far and educational efforts are continuing.
“The flyer will be distributed on social media, face to face contact and in other locations throughout the city,” Capt. Trent Conard said. “We want to increase awareness about how to help prevent vehicle break-ins and keep our citizens from becoming victims.”
This is not just a problem in Gastonia, but around the country. According to nationwide.com, each year there are 1.85 million car break-ins and 1.2 billion dollars lost in personal items and accessories.
From January to August 2016, there have been 349 thefts from motor vehicles in Gastonia. Of those reports, 60% were unlocked cars. The top 5 items stolen from a vehicle in Gastonia include: purse/wallet, money, firearm, tools, and backpacks.
Since June, neighborhoods and locations with the most vehicle break-ins include: Quail Woods Apartments (10), Willow Creek (10), Huntington Forest (9), Northridge (9), Woodleigh (8), Gardner Woods (7), Jefferson Woods (6), Gardner Park (6), Franklin Green (6) and Gaston Mall (5).
Three major points to remember:
- If your vehicle is unlocked there is a good chance that someone will go through it searching for anything of value
- If your vehicle is locked and something of value is visible, someone will break into the vehicle for personal gain.
- If your vehicle is locked and no items of value are present you are less likely to become a victim.
