Car Theft InformationFollowing a recent spate of car theft and prowl reports to the Wedgwood Wide Blockwatch Committee, we contacted Diane Horswill, North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator of the Seattle Police Department. We asked her to provide us data regarding car break-ins for the Wedgwood neighborhood. The SPD does not track crime statistics to that level of detail. However, we did learn that all vehicle crimes in North Seattle are up approximately 45% over that last year. This number is just under the Seattle citywide vehicle crime rate increase. She could not offer a definitive reason as to why vehicle crimes were up. She suggested it might have to do with the economy or shifting demographics.
Currently there is only one police officer assigned to patrol the area comprised of 65th to 95th between Lake City Way and the Lake. Obviously, that type of coverage does not do much for deterrence. What can we do?
Ms. Horswill suggest that we be vigilant in watching out for suspicious behavior and report it to the police as soon as possible. It is critical for residents to file a report if they are victims of a car theft or break in. Law enforcement needs to be able to assess increased activity accurately.
Additionally, if you don't have an organized block watch on your block, start one! It is not that difficult and we are here to help. If you would like help in organizing a block watch on your block, please email wwbw@wedgwoodcc.org.
PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
The following tips can help you protect your car from thieves and vandals:
- Lock your car.
- Take your keys.
- Never hide a second set of keys in your car.
- Park off-street if possible.
- Park in well-lighted areas.
- Park in attended lots.
- If you park in an attended lot and have to leave your key with an attendant, leave only the ignition and door key.
- Never leave your car running unattended.
- Completely close all car windows when parked.
- Don't leave valuables in plain view. Better yet don't leave anything in car.
- Park your vehicle with wheels turned toward the curb.
Source:www.watchyourcar.org (ext. link)
Seattle Police Dept Information on Auto Theft Prevention
Auto Theft Prevention (ext. link)
Car Prowl Prevention (ext. link)
LoJack program (ext. link)
Information from the Seattle Neighborhood Group
Protect your vehicle with the ClubŪ
The Seattle Neighborhood Group has two sizes of vehicle anti-theft devices available at reduced cost for Seattle Residents. Offer limited to a maximum of two (2) devices per address. (Only available to Seattle City zip codes, see order form).
Auto Theft Task Force Club -- this ClubŪ is a highly visible Yellow vinyl covered lock. Imprinted on the device is "Auto Theft Task Force". This is for use in cars, small cab pickups and vans.
Blue Truck/SUV ClubŪ -- It is approximately 6" longer than a standard Auto Club and provides better protection for large cab vehicles such as pickups, vans, and SUVs. Also this unit is "self-locking", meaning that you only need the key to unlock it as it locks itself automatically when extended on the steering wheel.
For ordering information:
http://www.sngi.org/theclub.html (ext. link)Past Car Theft Articles
Car Theft Article from the Seattle Times, June 13, 2003
"Vehicle thefts, break-ins climb 30% in Seattle" (ext. link)
Car theft information from the Seattle PI, June 6, 2003
"Careless often become car-less, Survey links auto theft to drivers' laxness" (ext. link)