Town Warning Motorists Against Car Break-Ins

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Town of Mount Pleasant

Imagine buying the perfect present for your child and losing it within a few hours. Imagine spending hundreds of dollars on a shopping spree and coming home empty-handed. This happens every year to hundreds of shoppers who fall victim to opportunistic thieves.

“Most of us have been known at times to relax our vigilance and leave our cars, garages, and even homes unattended and unlocked,” said Mount Pleasant Police Chief Carl Ritchie. “Don’t be an easy target, exercise caution and follow these tips to protect your property.”

The impact of leaving your car unsecured could range from stolen property, to credit card fraud, identity theft and auto theft. Don’t be an easy target, protect your possessions, and remember that insurance companies may not reimburse you for your loss since most minor larcenies generally fall within the customary deductible.

Tips for Preventing Auto Theft and Theft from Auto

• Lock your car doors and close your windows.
• Remember; do not leave your spare key inside the vehicle.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car. If you do, make sure they are kept out of plain sight. Lock them in your trunk.
• If you have a garage, use it.
• Don’t leave your garage door opener on the dashboard or front seat. Put it in your glove box, hide it, or take it with you.
• Always park in a well-lit area.
• Mark items that will be left in your vehicle with an identification number. 
• Remember: briefcases, sunglasses, clothing, keys, gym bags, and small change are all tempting to a thief.
• Keep your driver’s license and vehicle registration with you. Left with the car, the documents can be used by a thief to impersonate you when transferring the car’s ownership.
• Car keys left at home (or at your business) should always be hidden. This will help prevent the theft of your vehicle if you are burglarized.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running. It is not only an invitation for a crime of opportunity, but it is against state law!

Things to Know if Your Vehicle Is Stolen

• Know your license plate number and keep your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with your business records.
• Be sure to call 911 and report your car stolen as soon as possible.

Prevention Tools

• Alarm Systems.
• Different Locking Devices.
• Etching the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into your window glass.

For additional information, contact Pfc. Bryce Gregory, Crime Prevention Officer, Mount Pleasant Police Department, (843) 849-2779 or email him at bgregory@tompsc.com.