Car Thefts Prompt GCPD To Remind Residents To Keep Vehicles Safe

GARDEN CITY, NY — A pair of car thefts in the village has prompted the Garden City Police Department to remind residents about how to keep their vehicles safe.

According to police, two cars were stolen from driveways in the past few days. In both cases, the cars were left unlocked and the key fobs were kept inside the cars. Police say car thefts like this are an ongoing trend in Nassau County.

In many cases, police say the vehicles were recovered in Newark, New Jersey.

Police offered these tips for residents to keep their cars safe:

• Always keep your vehicle locked and windows closed, even in your driveway or garage, as well as when you are stopped somewhere even for a brief period of time.
• Take your car key or fob with you when you leave your vehicle.
• With the increase in keyless ignitions, vehicles are easily entered when key fobs are left inside. All thieves have to do to gain entry is pull the door handle, enter, press the start button and drive off. Thieves are aware side mirrors on some newer model vehicles do not retract when a key fob is left inside the vehicle.
• Do not leave or hide a key, valet key or smart key anywhere in the vehicle.
• Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
• Park in well-lit areas and keep your driveway well-lit as well. Auto-thefts often occur in the dark, particularly in residential areas.
• Always leave your car alarm activated when the vehicle is not in use.
• Consider installing a GPS system or car tracking service; many car tracking systems have remote shut-off capabilities.
• Do not leave garage door openers or valuables in your vehicle.