Per Takoma Park Police: The City of Takoma Park Police Department would like to remind residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their vehicles from theft. As a trusted partner in community safety, we are committed to providing you with essential tips to help protect your vehicles and reduce the risk of theft.
According to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA), more than one million motor vehicles were stolen in 2022, with more than 250,000 reported to law enforcement. Historically, passenger cars made up approximately 74% of all stolen motor vehicles. In fact, a motor vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds in the United States in 2022. There are numerous antitheft systems and devices designed to make vehicles more difficult to steal or easier to trace and recover. Here are how some of them work:
- Audible and Visible Devices: These devices, such as a horn alarm, deter theft by bringing attention to an unauthorized attempt to steal or enter a vehicle. Visible devices create a visual threat/warning/deterrence, such as the use of steering wheel locks, as well as theft-deterrent decals, flashing lights and window etching. See below for information on FREE steering wheel locks while supplies last.
- Immobilizing-Type Devices: These prevent thieves from bypassing a vehicle’s ignition system and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some incorporate computer chips in ignition keys or disable the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine.
- Vehicle Recovery Systems: These devises use electronic transmission technology that help law enforcement reveal the location of stolen vehicles – and possibly catch the crime in progress.
The Takoma Park Police Department has FREE steering wheel locks. They will be given out on a first come first serve basis while supplies last. You can pick one up for your vehicle Monday – Friday, from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm at the Takoma Park Police Department, Administrative Services window, 1st floor, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland 20912. We will be giving one per person so many will have an opportunity to receive a FREE steering wheel lock.
While there is no guaranteed prevention measure against vehicle theft, the Takoma Park Police can provide you with some precautions:
- Always lock all of your vehicle’s doors and windows after entering and exiting it.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even for a few seconds. Turn off the ignition and take the keys with you.
- Never hide a spare key in your car or outside your residence.
- Never leave personal identification or valuables inside your vehicle.
- Remove technologic and other removable accessories from view when not in your vehicle.
Unfortunately, despite all efforts to prevent vehicle theft, it still occurs. In case of theft, we encourage you to record the following information and store it in a safe place:
- Year, make, model and color of your vehicle
- License plate and vehicle identification numbers
- Serial numbers for any special equipment
- Any dents and/or scratches and/or modifications that distinguish your vehicle from others
Ensuring the safety and well-being of all of our residents is our top priority. We stand united in our commitment to your security. Please remember to look out for your neighbors and report any suspicious behavior immediately.
What constitutes suspicious behavior? If you see someone displaying suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, call the police. If you see a vehicle displaying suspicious behavior, call the police. Write down the license plates of any suspicious vehicles. Write down a description of any suspicious persons who are exhibiting suspicious behaviors. You can never be too careful. A lack of information on suspects can hinder an investigation.
When people are going for a walk through your neighborhood, they generally walk with a purpose and are just passing through. Suspicious behavior or activity can be any action that is out of place and does not fit into the usual day-to-day activity of your neighborhood. For example:
- looking into house or car windows
- pulling on house door knobs or vehicle car doors
- walking aimlessly in backyards
- walking into garages and sheds
- hiding behind shrubbery or trees
- seeming nervous and looking over their shoulders
- claiming to represent a utility company, but not wearing a uniform and does not produce identification upon request or does not have a company logo vehicle
- carrying property at an unusual hour or location, especially if they are attempting to hide the item
- using binoculars or other devises to peer into apartment and home windows
- sitting in a vehicle for extended periods of time
- abruptly changing behavior when seen
- dressing inappropriately for the weather (having a coat on when the temperature is warm/hot)
- leaving packages, bags or other items behind
- driving a vehicle slowly and aimlessly through the neighborhood several times
- parking and idling inside vehicles in front of homes.