Whether it is attending a sports event, returning to school, or going holiday shopping, it is good to know how to prevent thefts from your vehicle and home.
Any area with a high density population can make it easier for property criminals to target people who are not aware of their tactics.
The Eugene Police Community Engagement Unit is hoping that a pre-emptive educational approach will help residents and visitors become savvy about ways to prevent the most common crimes: burglaries, thefts from vehicles and theft of laptops and bicycles.
EPD Community Engagement Team offers these prevention tips:
Vehicle break-ins – Don’t leave ANYTHING visible in your unattended vehicle…no matter the value. Thieves don’t care that your windows cost a lot to repair when they break them to snag a small item of interest. Don’t put things in your trunk and leave. If you must keep something in your trunk, put it in there before you arrive at your destination so it is less obvious.
Laptops – Don’t ever leave your laptop unattended…libraries, coffee shops, and cars are common locations that laptop thefts occur.
Burglaries – The majority of burglaries in these areas occur during the day and where a door or window was left unsecured. Lock all doors and windows, even if you are home. Don’t leave your garage door opener in your vehicle if you park on the street. Thieves can use it to gain entrance to your home.
Preventing Bicycle Theft
Like most college towns, Eugene has a significant bike theft problem. Bikes are valuable, portable and easy to resell, making them attractive to thieves. 603 bicycles were reported stolen in the City of Eugene in 2019. By taking some precautions, you can lower the odds that you’ll be the victim of a stolen bike.
LOCK YOUR BIKE – Lock your bike at all times, no matter how short of time you will be leaving it. Make sure the lock is attached to the frame of the bicycle and secured to a fixed, immovable object. Invest in a solid hardened steel U-bolt style lock. You should expect to pay $40 or more for a quality lock. Cheap ones can be easily defeated. Some U-locks come with insurance that will pay you if the lock is overcome and the bike is stolen. You can use additional locks to secure wheels and other parts. Cable locks can be good secondary locks but should not be used as your primary lock. Secure your bicycle in the garage the same way you would on the street. There is no locking method that is 100 percent infallible. With time and tools, a thief can defeat your lock. Bikes left at racks overnight are particularly vulnerable. Bring your bicycle indoors or lock it in your garage whenever possible.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BIKE IS STOLEN – If your bike is stolen, file a police report as soon as possible. This type of report can be filed (for crimes occurring in the incorporated area of Eugene) online at Report a Crime or our non-emergency line 541-682-5111. In addition, register your stolen bike with Greater Eugene Area Riders (GEARs) https://eugenegears.org/bike-registration/. GEARs uses Bike Index to send out alerts of stolen bikes and provides a publicly searchable database to help people identify and avoid buying a stolen bike. Post the bike as stolen in the bike section of Craigslist. If you receive a tip or info, contact police, 541-682-5111 for the incorporated area of Eugene. Please do not attempt to recover the bike on your own.
GET INVOLVED – Get involved in the bicycle community. Many resources can be found here: City of Eugene Transportation
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