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How
to Prevent
"Car Hopping"
11/1/06
In recent months the metropolitan Detroit
area has seen a significant increase in thefts from
motor vehicles. The City of Novi is a very safe
community; however we are not immune from these types of
thefts.
Thefts from motor vehicles typically
occur late at night or during the early morning hours.
THESE THEFTS CAN BE PREVENTED. Our crime
reports indicate thieves are targeting unlocked motor
vehicles in which items of value are left in open view
from outside the vehicle.
These thefts are opportunistic crimes. Thieves walk up
and down city streets and driveways looking for unlocked
cars; a practice commonly known as “Car Hopping.” When
they do find an unlocked car they simply open the door
and take whatever is of value, often times discarding
the items in a nearby yard or driveway if they have no
use for the item. In most cases they are only in the
vehicle for a few seconds.
The Novi Police Department offers the
following crime prevention tips that can help reduce or
eliminate these crimes and protect you and your personal
property:
1.
Remember to lock your car and home doors at
ALL
times.
2. Never
leave your garage door open overnight or for an extended
period of time when you are not around.
3. Never
leave wallets, money, purses, briefcases, cell phones,
laptop computers or other valuables in your vehicle.
4. Report
suspicious persons or vehicles to the Novi Police
Department as soon as possible.
Detectives of the Novi Police Department
can perform a residential security survey of your home
and identify any potential security deficiencies
present. These surveys are free of charge and can
provide the homeowner with a great deal of prevention
information that will protect your family and your
home.
If you are interested in a residential security survey,
please contact Detective Kristie Gruenwald at
248.347.0548 or Detective Erick Zinser at 248.347.0546.
The men and women of the Novi Police
Department are committed to enhancing your quality of
life by providing the most professional and effective
policing services possible.
David E. Molloy
Chief of Police
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