Dedham Police Warn Residents To Lock Cars

DEDHAM, MA — Chief Michael D’Entremont and the Dedham Police Department are reminding residents to properly lock their cars to prevent break-ins and avoid being easy targets for thieves this month.

October is National Crime Prevention Month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each year over 770,000 vehicles are stolen and nearly 41 percent are never recovered. The NHTSA warns that parts such as radios, doors, engines, transmissions, air bags and radios, as well as items left in vehicles such as GPS units, cellphones, iPads, laptops and purses are often targets for thieves.

Devices like wheel locks can prevent someone from stealing wheels, rims or tires. Wheel lock sets include four lug nuts with a unique pattern and a matching key that is used to install or remove the lug nuts.

"All residents should lock their car doors and close their windows whenever they exit their vehicle," Chief D’Entremont said. "Those who would like extra reassurance can also purchase anti-theft devices such as steering wheel or wheel locks."

The NHTSA and Dedham Police remind vehicle owners to use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle. Safety tips include:

• Take your keys. Don’t leave them in your vehicle.
• Close all windows and lock all doors.
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle. Anything stored inside your vehicle should be out of sight or in the trunk.
• Never leave credit cards/debit cards, cash or your wallet or purse inside of your vehicle overnight.
• Park in well-lit areas or preferably inside a garage, if possible. Park in visible areas where your vehicle is not hidden by foliage or larger vehicles. Install lights with motion sensors near where you park your vehicle.
• Get in the routine of double-checking that your vehicle is locked and secured each night around 9 p.m. This is known as the “9 p.m. Routine.”

If your vehicle has been stolen or broken into, follow these steps:

• Call the police to report a theft or break-in. A copy of the police report and/or a case number will be needed to provide to your insurance company.
• You will be asked to provide the license plate number, make, model and color of the car, the VIN number and any identifying characteristics.
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of when you discovered your vehicle was stolen or broken into.
• If you find your vehicle before authorities, contact the