The images above are of a vehicle break-in that occurred at an outlet mall in Elizabeth New Jersey on Thanksgiving night. A family returning to their vehicle noticed that the rear window was smashed by a burglar while they shopped for bargains inside the mall.
The family could not immediately confirm to our staff what (if anything) was taken from the vehicle.
This morning, we will share some tips that should assist in making your Black Friday holiday shopping more pleasurable, if you adhere to them.
According to authorities, vehicle prowls are the theft of property from a motor vehicle and that most are crimes of opportunity such as through unlocked doors and open windows where vehicles can sustain expensive damage – especially to their windows, doors and locks when there is forcible entry.
Here are some tips that our RLS Metro Weekend crew have come up with:
**1. Don't leave packages, bags of any kind visible on the seats or floor of your car.**
2.If you take packages to your car trunk and want to go back to the mall, move your car or take your items home!
3.Most newer vehicles have a trunk release inside the car (in the glove box or by the driver). If the thief sees something that you have just purchased that he wants, he can easily break a window and open your trunk.
4.If you hear something suspicious (shattering glass) or see someone looking into vehicles, call mall security or dial 911. It is important to **know** the number to mall security because they may respond faster than municipal police.
5.Consider using the mall's valet parking service if it offers one.
6.Make a note of your parking spot so that you don’t have to wander around the parking lot after shopping.
7.If you are leaving a mall alone at night, you may request a security escort to your car.
8.If you have a removable car stereo, remove it.
9.Park in well-lit areas where your car can be seen.
10.Avoid isolated areas. Park near locations frequently used by pedestrians.
Enjoy your Black Friday holiday shopping experience.
**INFORMATION CREDIT: http://www.acuraoflynnwood.com**