Media

Sheriff’s Office “Park Smart” Program Launched To Reduce Vehicle Thefts and Break-ins

Release Date: March 8, 2006

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has begun the “Park Smart” program to reduce the chances of citizens being the victim of vehicle theft and vehicle larcenies.

“We have seen a rising trend in vehicle thefts and vehicle break-ins in the neighborhoods patrolled by our deputies. We believe the ‘Park Smart’ initiative will remind citizens to keep their vehicles free of valuables and to lock their vehicles when they are unattended,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Statistics show that 38 vehicles have been stolen recently throughout the seven (7) Shelby County patrol districts. Last year at this same time, only 17 vehicles had been stolen.

Additionally, Sheriff’s Deputies have investigated 169 larcenies compared to 137 at this same time in 2005. Although there is not a specific category for “vehicle larcenies,” the majority of those 169 reports involve a theft of an item from a vehicle.

Here are some reminders for citizens to, “Park Smart.”

• Lock your vehicle when unattended.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Don’t have purses, cell phones, lap top computers or expensive clothing visible in your vehicle.
• Items left in your vehicle should be locked and out of sight.
• Take note of your surroundings before locking valuables in the trunk. Thieves often watch as people place items in the trunk.
• Disable the remote trunk release button when leaving your car unattended.
• Never store credit car receipts, car repair receipts or other information with your identity in your vehicle.
• Lock the glove box and other compartments when you leave your vehicle.

Deputies from the Crime Prevention Bureau are available to attend community meetings, church gatherings and civic clubs to speak about this and other topics. To schedule a meeting or get further information, contact the Crime Prevention Bureau at (901) 867-1401.

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