Lock It, Hide It, Keep It NR10383kr

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) launched a new campaign today aimed at informing the public of burglary and theft from motor vehicles (BTFV and BFMV), and providing a few simple steps to keep from becoming victims of these crimes.

On Tuesday, August 3, 2010, at 2 p.m., Operations Valley Bureau kicked off the “Lock It, Hide It, Keep It” campaign from its Headquarters in Mission Area.  Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese provided statistics from the first six months of 2010 that clearly identified BTFV and BFMV as a problem in the San Fernando Valley.  “The irony is that if folks would take a few extra seconds to properly store their belongings, this crime could be eliminated.  There is no good reason to be the victim of a BTFV or BFMV,” Albanese said.  The average cost of a BTFV to each victim is roughly $1885.00.

In February 2010, Chief Albanese recognized the high incidents of property crimes within Valley Bureau and focused Bureau resources to work exclusively on those property crimes.  One of the most effective components of the VCTF has been the Bait Car Unit.  Video taken during actual Bait Car Sting Operations were shown at the news conference and can be viewed on the Department’s website at www.lapdonline.org.  The video is evidence that objects left in plain sight, in unlocked vehicles, are a crime of opportunity for many criminals.

The message is simple:

Lock It: Lock your vehicle every time you leave it unattended and take your valuables with you.
Hide It:  Hide your valuables in your trunk, under the seats, in the glove box, or other compartments within the vehicle.  Ideally, take your property with you.
Keep It:  Personal responsibility is the best prevention to safeguard personal property and to prevent becoming a victim.

The campaign will be emphasized throughout Valley Bureau over the next several months.  Banners, billboards, and public service announcements will also be included to remind the public that property crime prevention is largely dependent upon an individual’s willingness to take the necessary precautions.

For further information please contact Officer Tracy Andres at 818-644-8105.