The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in putting a halt to a recent rash of car burglaries by reminding residents that vehicle burglary is most often a “crime of opportunity” that can lead to expensive consequences if we are not careful. To minimize the chances of becoming a victim, we must first take away the thief ’s opportunity by taking a few preventative steps: • Lock your vehicle. Most vehicles burglarized or stolen were left unlocked. This includes both day and night and in your own home driveway. • Do not leave valuables in plain view. This includes your wallet/ purse, cell phone, laptop, GPS, shopping bags, cash, credit cards, garage door opener, keys, tools, etc. • Do not leave personal identifying papers in the car. This includes driver’s license, Social Security card, motor vehicle registration, car title, credit card and bank statements as these items can be used to commit identity theft. What should you do if your car has been broken into? • Call the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office at (218) 387-3030 or 911 if immediate assistance is needed. • Do not touch anything or go inside the vehicle. • If the suspect is still there, do not confront them. Instead, get as much information as possible such as their physical description, direction of travel, etc. If you have any information on the recent car burglaries or any other crime call the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office at (218) 387-3030.
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