For Immediate Release

Friday, July 12, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-742-3922
Email: [email protected]

Dedham Police Remind Residents to Lock Their Car Doors at Night During National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

DEDHAM – Chief Michael D’Entremont and the Dedham Police Department would like to remind residents to properly secure their vehicles to prevent break-ins and avoid being easy targets for thieves.

The summer season is most popular for vehicle thefts and break-ins and July is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

“Many vehicle break-ins happen because valuables are left in plain sight or vehicle doors are left unlocked,” Chief D’Entremont said. “Locking your doors, removing your valuables and being smart about where you park can help prevent vehicle damage or the costly replacement of stolen possessions.”

The NHTSA and Dedham Police remind vehicle owners to use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle.

• Take your keys. Don’t leave them in your vehicle.
• Close all windows and lock all doors.
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle. Anything stored inside your vehicle should be out of sight or in the trunk.
• Never leave credit cards/debit cards, cash or your wallet or purse inside of your vehicle overnight.
• Park in well-lit areas or preferably inside a garage, if possible. Park in visible areas where your vehicle is not hidden by foliage or larger vehicles. Install lights with motion sensors near where you park your vehicle.
• Get in the routine of double-checking that your vehicle is locked and secure each night around 9 p.m. This is known as the 9 p.m. Routine.

If your vehicle has been stolen or broken into, follow these steps:

• Call the police to report a theft or break-in.  A copy of the police report and/or a case number will be needed to provide to your insurance company.
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of when you discovered your vehicle was stolen or broken into.

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