Police: Unlocked cars in Fayetteville easy prey for criminals

Tue, 09/04/2007 - 4:08pm
By: John Munford

Thieves looking for documents, increasing risk of identity fraud

Fayetteville police are asking residents to lock their cars and take their belongings inside, as 16 entering auto incidents were reported in the city during August.

Most of the vehicles were parked in residential areas and they were left unlocked by the owner, police said. Although many of the incidents resulted in no items being taken, thieves are now looking for more than the typical electronics and valuables, police said.

“It’s not just electronics and purses they are stealing, it is mail, receipts, even address books,” said Lt. Jeff Harris. “We are finding that thieves are using personal information in vehicles to commit identity theft.”

Five entering auto cases were reported last Wednesday along with two car thefts, all in the area of Buckeye Lane, Chesterfield Court and Oak Court, police reported.

Police recommend storing items such as cell phones, portable music devices, computers, personal digital assistants and other electronics inside the home along with purses and mail. They can also be left in the trunk, police say.

Police also suggest that the car should be locked, even when it’s in your own driveway, and parked in well-lit locations.

Leaving the car unlocked makes an easy target for a thief, who can be in the car and out of sight before the owner knows what happened, police said.

Police are also urging residents to report any suspicious activity.

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Submitted by Tony Harris on Thu, 09/06/2007 - 6:47pm.

This is just out of control. We moved back to Fayetteville to get away from the trash and cesspool that is Clayton County. My neighbor was one who had his vehicle stolen, but it was recovered and not reported as such. I'm sorry to say that I don't know ALL my neighbors. This will change soon. It's time we all be vigilant in making sure this community doesn't fall prey to the slums around us.

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