According to the Grand Rapids Police Department, 907 vehicles were stolen in 2021.
Auto thieves are always looking for opportunities, and an unlocked vehicle is an easy target. Often people stop at a convenience store to run in for something and feel their vehicle will be safe unattended for a few minutes. On cold mornings, many of us warm up our cars before leaving our homes. Unfortunately, these instances provide criminals with ideal opportunities to easily steal the vehicle. Even if the vehicle is locked, it only takes seconds to smash a window to get access and drive off.
It is also important to protect your valuables by removing them from your vehicle. Thieves frequently grab purses, cell phones, laptops and even guns from vehicles. There are also instances where the vehicle is stolen, unaware that there are children in the backseat.
The only way to prevent these occurrences is to lock your car every time you leave it, no matter how briefly, and take the keys! Please, make this a habit to keep your valuables, including your children, SAFE!
West Grand Neighborhood Organization, working on behalf of the Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority, offers VIN etching of your automobile’s windows. For more information about this service and other prevention tips, please see our website at https://westgrand.org/atpa or email the West Grand Neighborhood Organization ATPA Program Coordinator at atpa@westgrand.org
Funds for this program are provided by the Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority.