BEDFORD, N.H. — Chief John J. Bryfonski and the Bedford Police Department want to remind residents to never leave remote key fobs unattended in their vehicles.
Bedford Police have responded to three incidents in the last month in which vehicle owners left their key fobs inside their vehicles, allowing criminals to easily steal their vehicles.
“While technology has come a long way with remote car starters, there is little that technology can do to prevent vehicle theft — as it’s designed to do — when key fobs are left alone inside a vehicle,” Chief Bryfonski said. “Leaving a remote key fob inside a car is the modern day equivalent of leaving your car unlocked and key in the ignition, so I want to encourage everyone to be mindful of the danger of doing so.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Bedford Police Department remind vehicle owners to use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle. Safety tips include:
- 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 secured 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.
- You may be asked to provide the license plate number, make, model and color of the car, the VIN number and any identifying characteristics.
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of when you discovered your vehicle was stolen or broken into.
- If you find your vehicle before authorities, contact the police immediately and then your insurance company.
###