Community Corner

Auto Burglary and Car Theft Prevention Tips

Avoid being a victim of theft this holiday season by implementing these tips issued by the Cerritos Sheriff's Station/Community Safety Center.

Editor's Note: These tips were posted in the City of Cerritos November newsletter.

Tips to Prevent an Auto Burglary

Cerritos Sheriff’s deputies report that the main cause of vehicle burglaries is the visible placement of items within the passenger compartment. This enables would-be thieves to easily and quickly target their victims.

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  • Never leave items visible in the passenger compartment of your car, even if you think they aren’t valuable. 
  • Many people leave the GPS units on their dashboards, which makes it very easy for thieves to see and steal. If you own a GPS unit, never leave it visible when leaving your car unattended. If your GPS unit attaches with a suction cup, hide it and the GPS unit when you exit the vehicle. 
  • If you own an SUV or van, keep in mind that locking items in the back will still leave them visible.
  • High-end car stereo components are also frequent targets and may be more difficult to protect. Removable units or locking faceplates can reduce the likelihood of car stereo thefts.
  • The best security against both vehicle theft and burglary at your residence is to lock your car in your garage.

Tips to Prevent Vehicle Theft

Cerritos Sheriff’s deputies recommend the use of:

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  • A steering wheel locking device to deter thefts. 
  • Also recommended are “fuel switches,” which interrupt the flow of gas or diesel fuel, thus preventing the car from being driven away. 
  • Another theft-prevention option is a tracking device, such as LoJack, which can locate a stolen vehicle.

For more crime prevention safety tips visit, www.safercerritos.com.


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