VEHICLE BREAK-INS
Generally, the most often occurring and under-reported crime in Wichita is auto break-ins or vandalisms. Most of these incidents occur during overnight hours; however, it is not uncommon for this type of crime to occur during daylight hours. By practicing the following prevention tips you will greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
· Park in a garage, if at all possible (park in a driveway, if a garage is not available)
· Never leave valuables in your car!
· Utilize good lighting to illuminate the area around your vehicle
· Always lock your vehicle
· Report any suspicious activity to the police by calling 911
Typically these incidents are crimes of opportunity and convenience. This means that if all items of interest for a thief are removed, chances are that the crime would not have happened. You are responsible for the item(s) that you leave in the vehicle. We need your help to fight the growing number of auto burglaries. Please CALL 911 if you hear or see something suspicious in your neighborhood.
Remember, criminals don’t care about the cost required to replace something, and they usually smash out windows to get in, and can be gone in less than a minute. These are a few of the items that are typically taken from vehicles:
Stereo or Speakers CD’s or Tapes Money Radar Detectors
Purse or Bag Wallet or ID Tools Clothing
Bills or other papers Cell Phone Check Book Other Electronics
Any documents left in your vehicle that have your name and/or personal information can be used by criminals to steal your identity. This can result in your credit history being ruined at a great expense to you.
The Wichita Police Department’s mission is to provide professional and ethical public safety services in partnership with citizens to identify, prevent and solve the problems of crime, fear of crime, social disorder and neighborhood decay, thereby improving the quality of life in our community.