Canyon Country East- Zone 8

Public Safety and Crime Prevention Information for the week of 07/20/15 to 07/27/2015

A robbery occurred near the 26900 block of Sierra Hwy., Canyon Country. One suspect was contacted by the store manager in the parking lot as the suspect loaded store items into his vehicle. The suspect entered the driver’s seat with store items on his lap at which time the victim reached in to grab some of the items. The suspect slammed his door shut and fled the location in an unknown direction.

A residential burglary occurred near the 18100 block of Sundowner Way, Canyon Country. Suspect(s) unknown forced entry to the front door of the victim’s locked apartment and stole numerous items.

A petty theft occurred near the 28500 block of Sand Canyon Rd., Canyon Country. The victim’s cell phone was stolen from the center console of his unlocked vehicle.

A grand theft occurred near the 25200 block of Via Princessa., Canyon Country. Suspect(s) unknown cut and stole copper piping from a plumbing unit at the location.

A grand theft occurred near the 14 Freeway / Golden Valley Rd., Canyon Country. Suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s catalytic converter from the victim’s vehicle while parked at the location.

Here are 10 things you can do to help protect your car from theft:
* Don’t leave your car unlocked

Never leave your car running, especially while it is unattended or unlocked

* Do not leave a spare key near your vehicle

Many people keep a spare key under the car, just in case they get locked out and thieves know exactly where to check for an extra key. While getting locked out of your car is a pain, think about the potential hassle of your car getting stolen.

* Never leave your windows open

Even during the summer when it is scorching hot, don’t leave your windows open or slightly cracked when you are not in the vehicle.

* Park in well-lit, public areas

Avoid parking in areas that are poorly lit or places that are not immediately seen by the public. This will not only keep you safe when you exit the car, it will also help keep your car safe because thieves tend to avoid areas that are highly visible.

* Install an audible alarm system and a visible anti-theft device

Car thieves tend to avoid cars with alarms or anti-theft devices because they attract attention when they go off. These devices are well worth the investment.

* Install a vehicle immobilizer system

Thieves can bypass your ignition by “hotwiring” your car. You can prevent this by using a vehicle mobilizer system such as fuel cut-offs and smart keys

* Consider installing a GPS tracking system

When your car is stolen, this tracking system will emit a signal to the police of your vehicle’s location. This may help the police recover your vehicle faster and may minimize the damage to your car. This may be a good investment if you live in an area with high auto theft rates.

* Don’t leave valuable personal property in your car

The best way to attract a thief is to leave your purse or another high-value item in a highly visible area of your car. If you must put something of value in your car, keep it in the trunk or under the seats, where it is not visible to others.

* Use Common Sense

If you are wary of the safety of your car or see someone loitering around the parking lot, it’s best to park somewhere else. It’s better to walk a few extra steps than to have your car stolen because you ignored your instincts.

If your car is stolen, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recommends you give the following information to the police:

* The year, make, model and color of the car and the license plate number

* Approximate time the car was stolen

* Description of anyone you saw loitering around your car before it was stolen

* Names of witnesses

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Deputy Betsy Shackelford

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station

Crime Prevention Unit- Canyon Country East (Zone 8)

Station: (661) 255-1121 Ext. 4283 Fax: (661) 253-0124

Email: bsshacke@lasd.org

www.santaclarita.lasd.org

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