Unfortunately, vehicle prowlers will take advantage of Northland shoppers.  Especially with the upcoming Black Friday shopping day on the horizon.   The Duluth Police Department offers some tips to avoid being a victim.

Duluth Police anticipate an increase in vehicle prowls/thefts.  The opportunity is greater with holiday shopping and that makes retail parking lots a favorite target areas by car prowlers.  Police want to you to put your packages in the trunk, and report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1.

Car prowls can occur anywhere, at any time of the day or night.  A car prowler makes a split second decision to break into a vehicle based on their observation or perception that there are valuables in the vehicle making it worth the risk.   It only takes them a minutes or less to break into your car!

Most (not all) neighborhood car prowls occur between the hours of 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Car prowls associated with parking lots tend to occur in the late afternoon and early evening. Vehicles are usually entered through an unlocked door or by breaking a window.

Car Prowl Prevention

  • You should NEVER leave valuables including shopping bags, purses, wallets, briefcases, laptops, cell phones, etc. in your vehicle. Keep the interior clean and don’t leave anything that may appear valuable (wrapped gifts, retail store bags, envelope from bank, etc.).
  • Don’t store or leave car keys, credit cards, identification, or personal information in your glove box or anywhere in your car. Remove garage door openers, key cards, and house or work keys from the car so the car prowler cannot gain access to your home.
  • If you must leave valuables in your car, place them in the trunk before you get to your destination.
  • Before leaving your parked car, roll up the windows, remove the keys, lock the door, and set the alarm (if you have one).
  • Try to park in busy, well lit areas. Avoid parking near anything that limits visibility like dumpsters, large vans or trucks.
  • Report any suspicious activity to the police. One of the most important things you can do is report all suspicious activity to 9-1-1 and encourage your neighbors to do the same.

If your car is broken into or there is a car prowl in progress, call 9-1-1. With your help, car prowls will go down and police have a better chance of catching those responsible.

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