Car Burglaries On Rise In Norman (Tips To Stop Them!)

It's a rite of spring here in Norman: People go walking. Or jogging. Or running.

Regardless, folks get out and enjoy some warm spring weather. However, the Norman police department is offering some tips to make sure your car and what's in it doesn't fall victim to anybody with bad intentions.

Car burglaries are on the rise.

That encompasses not only burglars stealing things from people's automobiles, but also taking garage door openers from vehicles to gain entrance to garages (and anything accessible from there, ergo homes).

From Norman MPO Jennifer Newell:

"We have noticed many of the burglaries are occurring when cars are unlocked and people are leaving items such as laptop computers, I-Pods, checkbooks, wallets, etc. Many times, the suspects are going through neighborhoods trying car doors and if they are unlocked, they go through them to see what is worth taking. In some instances, they have taken the garage door opener, opened the garage and stolen items from there, as well. If they see something valuable and the door is locked, they simply break the window to get the items. Please do not leave valuables in your car."

Newell recommends neighbors watch out for neighbors. If you see that your neighbor has left his/her garage door open, give 'em a shout (or a phone call). And if you see somebody or a vehicle that seems suspicious, call police.

If I can relate a quick personal story, I heard a prowler (not necessarily a burglar) moping around my house some months ago. I called 911. It took less than one minute for a Norman officer to arrive. The officer literally drove by and scanned the area while I was on the phone with a dispatcher.

Why not start a neighborhood watch program on your block? It's easy as well. You can call MPO Jennifer Newell at 405-366-5267.

In an odd note, I did a Google search on preventing car burglaries, and did you know that an OUPD tip sheet came up first!? Read it here.

Other car burglary prevention links:

Tips from Mount Prospect, Ill.

Tips from a South Florida newspaper

And how about this from our neighbors in Mustang, Okla.: Read here