By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
In the wake of a rash of car burglaries, the Montgomery Township Police Department is advising residents to take any valuables inside the house and to lock the car doors.
Since May 1, there have been numerous reports of unlocked cars being entered, mostly in the Yorkshire Woods and Woods Edge developments, police said.
Last week, five cars were entered on York Drive in the Yorkshire Woods development, police said. All five cars had been left unlocked, and cash and electronic items were reported missing from one of the cars.
To avoid becoming a victim, police advise rolling up the car windows and locking the car doors. Would-be burglars look for unlocked cars, and if a car is locked, they will move on to the next one.
Police also suggest turning off the car engine. Never leave the car unattended and with the engine running. Always remove the keys from the ignition and take them with you.
Valuables should not be left in plain sight in the car. Even loose change in a cup holder can attract a thief’s attention, police said. If it is necessary to leave something valuable inside the car, hide it in the trunk or under the seat.
Police also advise taking checkbooks and driver’s licenses inside the house. Personal documents that are left in the car can be used for identity theft purposes.
And it is better to park the car in the driveway or in the garage. Avoid leaving the car parked in the street, police said.
Any suspicious circumstances should be reported immediately to the Montgomery Township Police Department at 908-359-3222.
