Crime is like a table with three legs - it takes all three legs to stand.  If you take away even one leg, the table isn't supported.  Desire, ability, and opportunity must all exist to support crime.  Even though we may not be able to stop someone's desire to commit a crime, we can take away their ability and/or their opportunity to commit the crime.

DESIRE + ABILITY + OPPORTUNITY = CRIME

Auto Burglary Prevention, like all crime prevention, is the act of taking away the criminals ability and/or opportunity to commit a crime.  With a little time and diligence, you can make a difference in your vulnerability to Auto Burglary!

Curb Auto Burglary

The Tampa Police Department's "Move It or Lose It" Auto Burglary Prevention campaign is a way of reminding citizens how the simple act of placing valuables into the trunk of their car can significantly reduce the likelihood of being a victim of auto burglary.  It only takes a few seconds to put your valuables in the trunk and out of plain view.  A laptop, cell phone, GPS, purse, or even a cup holder full of change can tempt a thief.

Sometimes we have wrong impression of criminals.  We put our valuables in the floorboard or seat and cover them. Actually this often has the opposite effect and broadcasts that there is something of value in the car.

You can download our "Move It or Lose It" (PDF 942KB) campaign hang-tag flyer to print and distribute at your business, church, organization, etc.  The flyer is designed

Natural Surveillance

One of the techniques used in modern crime prevention is "natural surveillance."  While this principle is usually applied to building and area design, you can use it to your advantage too.  Park in an area where the likelihood is greatest that others will view it with the greatest frequency.  Criminals do not like to commit their acts in plain view of many people, they like seclusion.

Prevention Tips

• Close your windows & lock your doors (the simplest & easiest prevention technique).
   
• Remove valuables or place them in the trunk of your automobile.
   
• Remove 'pull-out' style radio face plates (if equipped).
   
• Park in well lit areas when possible. 
   
• Park where your car will be easily & frequently viewed (natural surveillance). 
   
• Park in your garage if you have one. 
   
• Use a car alarm, it will alert anyone nearby.

BY THE NUMBERS

30 - The seconds it takes for a thief to break into your car and steal your valuables!

20 - The seconds it takes to put your valuables into your trunk, out of sight!