As chilly weather hits Durham, local authorities are warning residents about the uptick in vehicle thefts. The Durham Police Department posted on social media cautioning that a staggering 42 vehicles have already been reported stolen since the dawn of the new year, with several incidents involving cars that were left running unattended.
The department's alert was clear: the cold may bite, but the consequences of leaving your car susceptible could gnash even harder—it only takes a moment for a thief to make off with a vehicle. A series of tips were also shared for vehicle owners, these included using remote starters and maintaining vigilance by remaining with your vehicle even while it warms up, and they also recommended employing a steering wheel lock as a deterrent, making it less likely for thieves to target your car, while also reminding folks to keep spare keys away from the car and to never leave children, pets, or valuables, including weapons unattended.
Safety and security are paramount in these fleeting moments of convenience that invite opportunistic crime. The steps to mitigate risk are simple but vital, encapsulating an ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure. Vehicle owners are implored to be proactive to ensure they do not fall prey to a passing felonious act that could roil their sense of safety and mobility.
