During the past week, there were two reports of vehicles stolen from Garden City driveways. In both cases, the vehicles were left unlocked, and the key fobs left inside. This appears to be an ongoing trend throughout Nassau County and the metropolitan area. In many of these cases, the vehicles were recovered in Newark, NJ. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, auto theft is up 11 percent. The Garden City Police Department offers the following tips to help reduce vehicle theft:
- Always keep your vehicle locked and windows closed, even in your driveway or garage, as well as when you are stopped somewhere even for a brief period of time.
- Take your car key or fob with you when you leave your vehicle.
- With the increase in keyless ignitions, vehicles are easily entered when key fobs are left inside. All thieves have to do to gain entry, is pull the door handle, enter, press the start button and drive off. Thieves are aware side mirrors on some newer model vehicles do not retract when a key fob is left inside the vehicle.
- Do not leave or hide a key, valet key, or smart key anywhere in the vehicle.
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Park in well-lit areas and keep your driveway well-lit as well. Auto-thefts often occur in the dark, particularly in residential areas
- Always leave your car alarm activated, if equipped, when the vehicle is not in use.
- Consider installing a GPS system or car tracking service; many car tracking systems have shut off capabilities.
- Do not leave garage door opener or valuables in your vehicle.
The Garden City Police Department requests residents call 911 at once if they observe suspicious activity or hear car alarm activations. In addition, the department encourages all residents and businesses to contact the Detective Division at 516-465-4108 if they have information or video surveillance footage, which may assist in criminal investigations.
—Submitted by the Village of Garden City
