How do criminals choose which cars to break into?
Criminals are frequently present when people park their cars. They observe shoulder movements of vehicle occupants as they reach in to glove compartments or place items under car seats. They also observe people placing items into trunks or other inconspicuous places. Criminals who are not present when people park their vehicles often casually walk close to a row of parked cars so that they can nonchalantly observe items that have been left inside. Criminals know that their chance of successfully breaking into a car is highest when the vehicle’s occupants will be gone for a predictable length of time. When people leave their vehicles at popular venues, including University parking ramps and surface lots during class or sporting events, they increase their chance of being a victim of theft. The most likely targets for theft from a vehicle? Anything in sight! It is best to always leave a totally empty car. Thieves frequently take radar detectors, phones, briefcases, purses, compact discs
