Recent Crime Trends

TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT

This is a notification to remind our residents how important it is to lock up their vehicles and close their windows whether it is for a minute or all day.  We have found a number of thefts from vehicles occur because a citizen failed to lock a door or close a window.  These kinds of crimes are known as crimes of opportunity.  Another important tip is to not leave your car running or leave the keys in the ignition.  Yes, cars have been stolen because a key was left in the ignition, and the car was running.

What is, our adversary, the criminal, looking for: it might well be your car, license plate, registration tab, catalytic converter, purse, iPod, stereo, GPS/navigation system, laptop, checkbook, cell phone, cash, credit cards, packages, cd’s, or any other items left in vehicles.  Any kind of financial/personal information stolen out of a vehicle could easily lead to another crime, identity theft.   The only way to curtail this problem is to leave the interior of your vehicle clear of anything that could become a “red flag” to the criminal.

 Theft of GPS/Navigation systems from vehicles are on the rise.  One of the more popular ways for a criminal to find his way into your vehicle is to smash a window.  If you have a portable navigation system, you might want to hide it from sight in your vehicle or remove it from your vehicle when not occupied. 

Catalytic converters have also become a popular item over the year.  The criminal will usually target Toyota SUV’s and/or pickups because they are higher off the ground.  Toyotas particularly have been targeted because their catalytic converters are bolted on.  If you have a Toyota, one way to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this type of crime is to take it to an auto shop and have the catalytic converter welded on.  If you have a garage, then park your vehicle inside your garage.  

 Stereos have always been popular to steal.  One can buy them with a removable face plate, but that would mean in order for this method to be effective, one would have to remove it from the vehicle each time the vehicle is unoccupied.

Awareness of your surroundings is important in combating crime.  If you do see someone or something suspicious, please call the following numbers:

Dispatch number: 714-573-3225

To report a crime in progress:  9-1-1

 If you have already become a victim of a crime, please report it at 714-573-3225.

 Courtesy of the Tustin Police Department

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