Always Take Your Purse, Wallet, and ID  With You When Leaving Your Car!

Law enforcement agencies across the region are seeing a significant increase in thefts from vehicles and fraudulent banking activity. These criminals are…

• Targeting vehicles in public parks, trailheads, gyms, schools during after-hours athletic events, and other areas where people commonly leave purses and wallets in vehicles. 
• Smashing windows or breaking door locks to enter vehicles. Many are breaking the passenger door locks so the crime is not noticed until later. They are opening trunks as well.
• Stealing purses and wallets containing checks, ID cards, and credit cards. 
• Using the stolen identifications to cash checks at local banks, stealing thousands of dollars before leaving the area. They are also making large purchases at local businesses with stolen credit cards before victims can cancel the cards.

Prevention tips! 

• DO NOT leave any personal items in your car, including the trunk. 
• BE AWARE of out-of-state tags, rental vehicles, and suspicious people in the parking areas listed above.
• REPORT any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 or your local police department.

If Your Car is Broken Into: 

• Call police immediately to file a report where the break-in occurred. Report all stolen checks, credit cards, and ID cards.
• Cancel your credit cards and notify the bank.
• If your credit card is used or a check was cashed, notify police in the jurisdiction where it occurred. This will allow police to have full access to security footage that could identify the suspects.
• Call the three national credit reporting organizations to place a fraud alert on your name and social security number:

• Equifax: 800-525-6285
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• Trans Union: 1-800-916-8800