Did you know that July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) designates this month as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month every year, reminding us of the importance of protecting our vehicles from theft. We live in a safe community, but even here in Marple and when we’re traveling out of town, we need to protect ourselves from criminal activity. The NHTSA estimates that more than 1 million drivers fall victim to vehicle theft each year in the United States, with July and August having higher incidences of theft.
Although there are many ways to protect ourselves, criminals have developed their skills and in the past few years, there has been a dramatic increase in auto theft, some of which was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the NHTSA, thieves are looking for vehicle parts and valuable items, too. Radios and wheel covers are popular stolen vehicle parts, but they also want other items that they sell, including doors, engines, transmissions, airbags, radios, GPS units, cell phones, iPads, laptops, and purses.
Locally, the Marple Police Department reported a number of stolen cars this spring, as well as numerous other vehicles that were rummaged through, with contents of the vehicles being stolen or strewn around Broomall neighborhoods. Police Chief Brandon Graeff said that when it comes to vehicle theft, the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our cars is prevention. Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle. Close and lock all windows and doors when you park and park in well-lit areas if possible. “These crimes typically happen late at night when we are asleep,” explained Chief Graeff. “Always hide belongings, lock your vehicles, and never leave your keys in vehicles. It’s the easiest way to protect your car.”
Chief Graeff also explained that if you believe your vehicle was entered and had something stolen from it, or if your home surveillance system captured something or someone suspicious, make a report by calling 911 or seeing an officer at the police station. If your vehicle is stolen, you’ll need a copy of the police report or a case number to provide to your insurance company. You should also contact your insurance company to file a claim no more than 24 hours after discovering your vehicle was stolen.
Today many vehicles have anti-theft systems and devices that make vehicles more difficult to steal or easier to trace and recover. Horn alarms deter theft by bringing attention to an unauthorized attempt to steal or enter a vehicle. The use of steering-wheel locks, as well as theft-deterrent decals, flashing lights and window etching, can serve as a visual threat or deterrence.
Another way to protect yourself from car theft or any crime is to get to know your local law enforcement. Each year the Marple Police Department offers a fun way to mingle with local police, EMS and firefighters by hosting National Night Out. This year’s event will be held on August 1. A community-building event, National Night Out promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer. It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. “The best part of National Night Out is we’re able to have unguarded conversations with citizens,” said Chief Graeff. “It’s a great way for residents to meet police officers and see what we do.”
National Night Out began in 1984 as “America’s Night Out to Prevent Crime” and communities across the United States take part every year on the first Tuesday in August. The origin of the event even has a local connection as it was started by a Lower Merion resident who volunteered with the Lower Merion Community Watch program. The idea was that one summer night each year, communities could turn on their house and porch lights, and celebrate their power to control events in the community. The idea caught on in cities across the country.
Marple’s National Night Out event will take place from 5-8pm at Cardinal O’Hara High School on August 1. Organized by Community Outreach Coordinator Officer Ray Stiles, it will be a great evening for families with plenty of activities for both kids and adults. “The police department has been hosting National Night Out for more than a decade,” explained Chief Graeff. “Officer Stiles does an outstanding job putting it together and it continues to grow each year.”
Members of the community can interact with local first responders, check out police, fire and EMS apparatuses, watch a vehicle rescue demonstration and hear a performance from the Uptown String Band. The event is free for all and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Broomall Fire Company will be serving up hot dogs and other treats.
Building a safer community starts by getting to know your neighbors and surroundings. Thank you to the Marple Police Department for all you do to keep our community safe and for fulfilling our mission of “Bringing People Together!”
