Auto Break ins/Robberies Advisory

Officer Romand, APD, advises that there
have been a number of vehicle break ins
in nearby neighborhoods in the past few
weeks.

With the advent of warmer weather and
the economic downturn, it is prudent
for our neighborhood residents to be alert
and guard against street robberies, vehicle
and home break ins as well as graffiti
vandalism. Also, drug deals at the
Buckingham Pond Park parking lot
foot of Colonial Ave, N side of park.

Dogwalkers, strollers, joggers and drivers
are encouraged to carry their cell phones
at all times so that they may immediately
notify the APD 458 5660 and/or
Anti Terror Hotline 1 866 SAFE NYS
723 3697
as appropriate.

Homeowners and apartment dwellers
are urged to keep a close watch on
their blocks.

All neighborhood residents are part of
our neighborhood watch.

Joe Sullivan


Theft Prevention Tips
 Lock Your Car. Most thieves will try multiple car doors to look for one that is unlocked to steal out of.
 Don’t Hide a Second Set of Keys in Your Car. They don’t serve a purpose and if a thief gets in your car they could steal it.
 Park in Well-Lighted Areas.
 Park in Attended Lots. Auto thieves do not like witnesses and prefer unattended lots.
 Close Your Car Windows When Parking. Don’t make it any easier for the thief to enter your vehicle.
 Hide Your Valuables. Don’t make your car a more desirable target for thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.
 Make The Interior of Your Car Look The Same Way It Did When You Bought It. Clean out the visible change in the center console and anything else that is in plain view from the outside of the car. One dollar in change is enough for a thief to break into your car.
Plug Auxiliary Power Out l e t s . Thieve s will think that there are electronic devices in the car if they see open power out lets .
Report Suspicious Activity. People looking into or trying the door handles on vehicles .
Cal l 438 -400 0.
Anti -Theft Device s
Remote Ca r Starter . Al lows the owner to safely start a vehicle and leave the motor running to pre -heat the interior .
Alarm Systems .Security systems that make loud warning sounds and flash the vehicle’s lights to attract attention t o the vehicle .
Ignition Kill Switch. Disables the power to the s tarter of a vehicle until a hidden switch is activated.
Fuel Kill Switch. A valve that cuts off the fuel supply to the vehicle .
Visible Steering Wheel Lock. Pr e -vents the steering wheel from being turned .
Floor board Locks. Devices that disable the gas or b rake pedal .
Gear shift Locks . Disable s shifting o f the transmission.
Ti r e /Wheel Locks . Prevents the vehicle from moving.
Hood Locks . Prevents thieves from gaining access to your security system and battery .
Locking Wheel Lug Nuts .They are inexpensive and c an de t e r a thief from stealing your wheels . You only need one per wheel . Don’t leave the key visible in your car.
Removable Face Stereo Unit .The control pane l o f the s t e r e o comes off to be taken with you. This makes the stereo inoperable without it.
Locking Fuel Ca p. The high price of fuel has made it a hot commodity.
VIN-Etching. Have al l the glass in your vehicle etched with the VIN number to deter cars t ripping.
Be Pr e pa r e d
Keep Your Gas Tank At Le as t Hal f Full . This could prevent you from breaking down in an undesirable area.
Have An Emergency Kit In Your Trunk.
Don’t Abandon Your Vehicle . I f you b r e a k down and have to leave your vehicle on the side of a road; Don’t leave it for a long time .
Automobile
Theft Prevention

Police Officer Rick Romand
Albany Police Department
Community Service Unit
Center Station
536 Western Ave
Albany NY 12203
PH 518-458-5669
Fax 518-458-5662
Rick Romand 224/2180