The Texarkana Ark., Police Department has recently received several reports of property thefts from vehicles and outer areas of residences.  The TAPD would like to remind the public of steps to prevent vehicle break-ins and theft of property.

Vehicle break-ins only take a few minutes – even less when the car is left unlocked or when thieves smash windows to grab items they have seen inside. Criminals will often drive though parking lots or residential neighborhoods looking for vehicles with open windows or unlocked doors.

Vehicle prowler’s watch for valuables left in the open such as cellular phones, electronics, CD’s, stereo equipment, purses, or wallets. If you must leave valuables in your car, conceal those items from view before arriving at your destination.

Be aware that vehicle break-ins commonly lead to other crimes such as fraud and identity theft, so limit the amount of personal information you keep inside your vehicle. Record serial numbers of your valuables and keep them in a safe place (not inside your vehicle).

In addition, property thefts including lawn equipment and ATV’s have also been reported.  You can help prevent this by concealing all valuables around your home and securing garage or storage buildings on your property. Especially keep these items out of sight from the roadways.  Remember to keep garage doors down, yard gates locked, as well as outside storage units secured.

And as always, if you see any suspicious persons or activity, call the police promptly.  Anyone with information of any crime is strongly urged to contact the Texarkana, Ark., Police Department at 903-798-3154 or Texarkana area CrimeStoppers at 903-793-STOP.

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