In response to an ongoing battle against vehicle theft, the Clayton Police Department is stepping up its game with a series of safety tips and initiatives aimed at keeping motorists' best friends—cars, trucks, and motorcycles—secure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) keeps the statistics stark and simple, noting that "a motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds in the United States." That's a call to vigilance no vehicle owner should ignore, according to the City of Clayton.
The Clayton Police Department suggests several straightforward strategies to minimize the risk of vehicular heist. To increase security, owners are urged to park in either secure garages or well-lit areas. It may seem like nothing, but simply closing and locking all windows and doors can be an effective deterrent. Additionally, valuable items such as electronic devices, wallets, or shopping bags should never be left in the vehicle—especially in plain sight. And while it's convenient to leave keys or remote fobs inside, this practice could turn your vehicle into a thief's playground. The office admonishes, "Never leave your vehicle unattended while the engine is running." Don't let convenience be your downfall, as reported by the City of Clayton news channel.
The Clayton Police Department is offering free steering wheel locks to residents who own vehicles with key-start ignitions. The locks are available at the Clayton Police Department front office from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Residents must provide proof of Clayton residency and current vehicle registration to receive one.
The department also advises residents to contact police if they observe suspicious activity involving vehicles. Officers recommend not confronting individuals and instead reporting details such as clothing descriptions, the number of people involved, and the direction they leave. The department emphasized that personal safety should remain the priority.
Additional information about Clayton’s vehicle theft prevention efforts is available through the Clayton Police Department’s official announcement.
