Keep Valuables Out of Vehicles, NYPD Says

Residents of the 70th precinct should be mindful of leaving valuable items in their vehicles as two Ford Econoline Cargo Vans have been stolen from the neighborhood.

The vans were taken in the last week, according to Deputy Inspector Eric Rodriguez, who spoke at the 70th Precinct Community Council meeting . 

One of the vans stolen belonged to local band Lucius, whose instruments were inside the vehicle . 

"It's a pretty quick system where [theives are] stealing these cars, they're taking them to chop-shops and breaking them up for certain parts," Rodriguez said. 

He added that older vehicles, specifically 1996 Hondas, are also a target because of desirable parts that are not used on newer models.

Rodriguez continued to stress the importance of not keeping important gadgets in a car, saying: "Please do not leave your electronics, your pocketbook, your creditcards, your laptops, anything of value, your band equipment, in the car."  

Other basic safety tips discussed at the meeting included:

• Be mindful of using electronic devices on public transportation. "If you have earphones in your ears, you're not paying attention to what's around you," Rodriguez said. 
• Limit cellphone use to the sidewalk. "When crossing the street, and you're on the phone, or you're driving and you're on the phone, you're not paying attention to your surroundings," he continued. 
• If you have a smart phone with a tracking device, be sure you remember the account password. Rodriguez said that when everyday commuters were approached by the police and asked if they remembered their password, many could not. Be the exception.