• Lock all windows and doors. Do not leave any keys or garage door openers in your car. 
• It only takes a few seconds for a criminal to break into your car,so take a few seconds to double check that you've removed your belongings when you leave your car.
• We recommend removing all valuables from your vehicle, but if you are unable to remove them, then keep them out of plain sight.
• If you decide to put valuables in the trunk;
  • Consider moving items to your trunk BEFORE reaching your destination or move them inconspicuously. Keep in mind someone could be watching you when you park your car.
  • Consider disengaging your trunk. Criminals may break your driver window to access the trunk release.
  • If you choose to leave your electronics in your trunk, make sure they are all turned off so they cannot be detected via bluetooth.
• Park in well-lit heavily populated areas. Criminals prefer breaking into cars where they will not be observed or attract notice.

Please report all suspicious activity or auto burglaries to NPD Non-Emergency: 
(510) 578-4237

• Do not give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or know with whom you are dealing.
• Shred all documents including pre-approved credit offers, insurance forms, bank checks and statements you are discarding, and other financial information.
• Once you make a purchase with a credit card, be sure to shred the receipt or store it safely at home.
• Always use the post office to mail out bills and correspondence related to your accounts so they are not sitting out in a street side mailbox.
• Minimize the identification information and the number of cards you carry. While out shopping, take only what you will actually need.
• Do not put your Social Security number on your checks or credit receipts. 
• Be careful when using ATM machines as someone may look over your shoulder to get your PIN number.
• Make a list of all of your credit card account and bank account numbers, with their respective customer service phone numbers, and keep it in a safe place.
• If you request a new credit card and it does not arrive in an appropriate period of time or your current bills do not come when they should, call and make sure someone didn't file a change of address for you.
• Cancel all credit cards you have not used in the last six months.
• Call or write to request that your name be removed from junk mail and telemarketer lists.
• Correct all mistakes on your credit report in writing. Send a letter "return receipt requested" to the credit-reporting agency identifying the problem items and include a copy of the credit report.

• Install good locks on doors and windows and use them! Don’t hide keys in mailboxes, planters, or under doormats. Instead, leave keys with trusted friends.
• Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them inside your home.
• Be sure your street address number is large, clear of obstruction, and well-lighted so emergency personnel can find your home quickly.
• Consider a home alarm system that provides emergency monitoring for burglary, fire, and medical emergencies.
• If you are traveling, ask a neighbor to watch your house and/or consider registering for a vacation home check.
• Put timers on different lights throughout the interior and exterior of the house.
• Have newspapers, mail and deliveries held or picked up by someone you trust.
• Take a home inventory of your valuables & record serial numbers; engrave property with an ID number. Photograph your items.
• Do not publicize that you will be out of town for on your answering machine, social media, or to others whom you do not know.
• Schedule a residential security review with a Community Services Officer at 510-578-4939.
• Start a Neighborhood Watch group so you and your neighbors can identify and report suspicious activities.

• Go with friends or family, not alone.
• Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put your wallet in an inside coat pocket. Do not carry credit cards you do not need or large amounts of cash.
• Use direct deposit for checks.
• Whether you are a passenger or driver, keep your car doors locked. Be particularly alert in parking lots and garages. Park near an entrance.
• Sit close to the driver or near the exit while riding the bus, train, or rapid transit.
• If someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.
• Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
• Park in well-lighted and well-traveled areas.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages.
• Keep keys in your hand when walking to your car or home.
• Be aware of your surroundings and anyone approaching you or your vehicle.

Catalytic converter thefts are taking place because the converters contain several types of recyclable materials that can be “scrapped” for a quick profit.

Catalytic converter thieves generally target high profile vehicles like trucks or SUVs because the higher ground clearance allows for easier access underneath the vehicle. Currently we are seeing Toyota’s being targeted, especially Prius.

So what can you do to protect your vehicle? Here are some prevention tips:

•  If you have a garage, consider parking your car inside
• Park in well lit areas and if possible near security cameras
• If your catalytic converter is a “bolt on” model, you can have the bolts welded shut and have extra metal welded to the exhausted system
• Install a catalytic converter protection device that will clamp around the converter
• Etch your converter with your vehicles license plate in several locations. This will help police track your property if it is stolen.
• Calibrate your car alarm to alert when it detects vibrations.

 As a reminder, please do not hesitate to report suspicious activity to our non-emergency at 510-578-4237