May 5, 2008
Gary Davidson
Public Information Officer

SHERIFF’S OFFICE REMINDER: CRIME PREVENTION BEGINS AT HOME 

Like many crimes, breaking into a car oftentimes is a crime of opportunity. And with a recent rash of car burglaries plaguing the DeBary City area, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to lock their vehicles and make their property less inviting to thieves. “Crime prevention begins at home by taking some simple precautions to reduce your chances of being victimized,” said Lieutenant Cliff Williams, who works closely with Alan Williamson, safety coordinator for the “DeBary Safe City Program” in combating crime throughout the city. “Many crimes can be prevented, using common-sense safety measures that will make you less vulnerable and cause most thieves to move on to an easier target.” 

More than 42 vehicle burglaries in Southwest Volusia were reported to the Sheriff’s Office’s DeBary headquarters in the last 30 days. The Orange City Police Department also has been fielding similar reports inside their city limits. The targeted areas are spread out throughout the area. Some of the break-ins are clustered in various neighborhoods, while others appear to be the random act of thieves walking down streets at night looking for unlocked cars to hit. 

The Sheriff’s Office recommends that residents take the following steps to protect themselves and their property: 

• Never leave your car unlocked, windows rolled down or keys in the ignition.
• Consider investing in an anti-theft device, such as a steering wheel lock or motion-detecting alarm system. If you have a garage, use it and lock it.
• If you park in your driveway, make sure your exterior home lights are operative.
• Make sure all the landscaping on your property is trimmed as low as possible. This will prevent concealment for any suspect trying to get into your car.
• Keep valuables out of sight. Lock them in the trunk or store them in the glove compartment or under the seat. Leaving valuables in plain view is an invitation to a thief to break in. And once inside the vehicle, the thief may just decide to take it.
• If possible, have window tint installed. This makes it difficult to see inside the vehicle.
• Don't leave spare keys in the car or in hiding spots. An experienced thief knows all the hiding places.
• Park in well-lit areas. Try not to park on an isolated, out-of-the-way street.
• No matter how quick the errand, never leave your car running unattended.
• Avoid parking in an unattended parking lot for a long period of time.
• If you're planning a trip out-of-town and will be leaving your car unattended at home, remove the coil wire connecting the coil to the distributor cap. Do this and your car won't start.

One of the most important safety tips is to report suspicious activity to law enforcement. This should be done immediately, particularly with in-progress incidents, in order to get a timely response that maximizes the chances of offenders getting caught. Residents also are urged to join a Neighborhood Watch organization. “It’s vital for residents not only to watch out for their own property, but for their neighbors’ property as well,” said Lieutenant Williams. “The extra eyes and ears help to keep neighborhoods safe and crime-free.”   

More information about crime prevention or starting a Neighborhood Watch group can be obtained by contacting Alan Williamson at (386) 668-3820 (DeBary Safe City Program) or Lieutenant Williams at (386) 668-3830.