Vehicle Thefts Rising In Herndon, Police Warn

HERNDON, VA — Herndon Police report that there has been an increase in stolen vehicles and items stolen from vehicles lately, and are warning locals to start doing a better job of locking up.

"Most were avoidable by simply locking vehicles, taking valuables inside, and not leaving your car running when you aren't in it," Herndon Police posted on Facebook.

In the last week, police in Herndon reported a motor vehicle theft in the 1000 block of Elden Street on Oct. 30, and three larcenies from vehicles in the 800 block of Alabama Drive and 600 block of Legacy Pride Drive Oct. 30-31.

About $6 billion was lost to motor vehicle theft last year in the United States, according to the Insurance Information Institute, and the average dollar loss per theft was a whopping $8,407.

And while locking your doors will go a long way toward preventing them, thieves are finding more sophisticated ways of getting into vehicles, such as using smart keys.

Other ways you can protect yourselves -- besides locking your doors -- include taking the following actions, according to experts:

• Don't leave keys or fobs in your vehicle. This just does the thieves' work for them if they can find a way to get in by breaking your windows.
• Close all windows and the sunroof. A locked car is only partially safe if there is access through the windows.
• Don't leave valuables inside your vehicle, particularly where they can be easily seen.
• Don't leave your vehicle title in the car, because it makes it harder for police to catch them if they do steal your car.
• Avoid parking in high-crime areas. Even if it means a longer walk, parking in a safer area could keep both you and your valuables safe.
• Install an anti-theft system. It could pay for itself by preventing just one burglary.
• Park in well-lit areas.