Stafford County Sheriff's Office
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: May 31, 2012

SHERIFF'S OFFICE ROLLS OUT NEW CAMPAIGN

Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is announcing the Take It, Hide It, Lock It or Lose it Campaign. This crime prevention program will be aimed at reducing thefts, specifically from unlocked vehicles.

The Take It, Hide It, Lock It or Lose It Campaign is asking community members to become proactive in helping prevent thefts from unlocked vehicles. The concept is easy. Take all valuables from your unattended vehicle or if that is not possible hide them from view. Then, take the time to make sure that your vehicle is locked. If not, these valuable items become a temptation to individuals who prey on stealing from unsecured vehicles. Larcenies from vehicles are often crimes of opportunity.

Larcenies are up in Stafford County by 45%, due largely as a result of thefts from unlocked vehicles. This upward trend is not unique to Stafford County. It is recognized as a regional and nationwide trend. Thieves that participate in this type of theft refer to it as "shopping". Going car to car, stealing from unlocked vehicles, often hitting multiple neighborhoods in one night.

The Stafford County Sheriff's Office will be distributing pamphlets, setting up message boards or signs at various sites and meeting with neighborhoods throughout Stafford County reminding citizens to take a few simple precautions when leaving their vehicle unattended.

"I am confident that if we all take a few extra minutes and lock our vehicles after hiding or removing our valuables we will go a long way in reducing thefts from autos," states Sheriff Charles Jett.