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Blogger King |
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July 2008
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Most people have felt it at least once. That sudden wave of panic and jolt of adreneline when you realize you're a victim. Someone has broken into your car, your home, maybe you've been vandalized. If you're like me, what follows is anger and you're asking yourself, "what kind of person does this?" When I heard what happened to Tana Barron I got that feeling. After experiencing the worst kind of loss, someone poured salt in the wound by stealing the only pictures of her late husband and her daughter together. What kind of person does that? In 1996, I was a senior at UW and an intern at KING 5. I spent all winter quarter tagging along with reporters in the field, trying to put together my video resume -- the tape aspiring young reporters send out in search of their first job. My last night as a KING 5 intern, I forgot my backpack in my truck. It was parked in the razor-wired basement of my U-District apartment. Wouldn't you know it ... that night someone snipped the wire, smashed out my truck window and stole my backpack. It contained all my class notes and that tape I'd spent so long working on. I'm sure a lot of you have your own stories. I feel better having told mine and I think Tana Barron feels better having told hers. Now let's hear yours. 4 Comments |
What's worse than having your car broken into is having police departments that are too busy to do anything about it. When our car was broken into in Everett recently, there was enough damage and enough property taken (two items) that the crimes rose to felony status. The people who stole our phone called people. Searching the internet, we were able to find out who some of those people were. That wasn't enough for the police to take any action and since the police won't take any action, our insurance company won't try either. I understand that police departments are very busy and these types of crimes aren't important enough to rate a whole lot of time, but when there's at least a hope of catching a criminal, it would be nice if a little effort could be made.
We didn't lose much, but it's the whole sense of being violated and being unable to do anything about it that's frustrating.
Keep your vehicle safe, vehicle crime has fallen dramatically, but more than a million vehicles are still broken into, damaged or stolen every year. There's a lot you can do to ensure that your car isn't one of them.
Some of the advice may sound obvious, but it could make all the difference if you follow it consistently. Read our top ten tips to find out more.
1. Don't leave items on display
Never leave anything on display when you leave your vehicle. Even an old coat or a plastic bag can tempt a thief.
2. Use immobilisers
Electronic engine immobilisers prevent your vehicle from starting and are the best way to stop thieves. You should only buy security devices or services that are approved.
They should be professionally fitted - either by your car dealer or by an installer approved by the Vehicle Systems Installation Board.
3. Park safely
When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one, and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don't have a garage, try to park in a well-lit, open place.
4. Use car parks
When parking outside, always try and park your car in an attended car park. Try to look for a public car park which is part of the police approved Safer Parking scheme.
5. Buy a steering wheel lock
Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your vehicle.
6. Get an alarm fitted
Alarms can deter thieves not only from stealing your vehicle, but also from taking items from it.
7. Secure your wheels
Locking wheel nuts are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels.
8. Etch your vehicle identification number onto surfaces
Have your vehicle registration number or the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, both windscreens and your headlamps.
9. Mark your equipment
Mark all your equipment, like your car stereo, with your vehicle registration number.
10. Check before buying a used vehicle
Before buying, check whether the car you are interested in has been reported stolen, seriously damaged or is still subject to finance.
It is up to you to make sure the vehicle you want isn't stolen, if you do end up buying a stolen vehicle you could:
lose all your money
lose the vehicle
inherit whatever problems the vehicle had (unpaid tickets, penalties etc).
risk police interest in your actions
So don't take the chance, check it out first!
If you have any suspicions, notify the police immediately.
11. Dont store your laptop in your car.
Here's a crime fighting tip that many don't want to discuss: On your way to work in the morning, don't stop at the 7-11 and run in for a pack of smokes, cup of coffee or that morning beer and leave your car running outside, unlocked. If I ever want to start an easy life of crime, thats where it will be. Candy from a baby. Ask any cop you see how many cars or whats in them are ripped off every week from dumb dopey drivers that do this. Don't believe me? Go to any 7-11, AM/PM or whatever and sit and watch between the hours of 6-8am any weekday morning and you'll see what I mean.