Theft Prevention Safety Tips

This is the time of year Law Enforcement and communities see an increase in theft crimes. These thefts often occur during the early morning hours between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. The Carlton Police Department would like to share the following prevention information regarding our “LOCK IT or LOSE IT” program. The intent of the program is to promote awareness in hopes of eliminating thefts of vehicles as well as property being stolen from automobiles occurring in the City of Carlton and surrounding area.

The Carlton Police Department, as do all law enforcement agencies across the country, periodically conduct theft investigations from vehicles that seem to come in waves throughout certain periods of the year. Many of the thefts are from vehicles that were left unlocked. Items taken in these quickly committed crimes range from spare change to wallets, personal/business documents, electronics, and firearms In most, if not all instances, these crimes can be prevented by simply locking car doors, assuring all the windows are completely shut, removing all valuable items or what might be perceived as containing valuables such as backpacks or other bags, keeping change and charging cords out of sight, and NEVER leave keys inside the vehicle. Another high value item that is stolen from vehicles is catalytic converters. Please keep in mind where you are parking your vehicles and if there are suspicious individuals around or under vehicles, please report this to the police department in real time. Getting in the mindset of locking doors to your home, garages, and vehicles is the first step of minimizing the chance of becoming a crime victim. Carlton Police Department has “LOCK IT or LOSE IT” yard signs available for residents to display in their yard if they would like to help encourage a strong community prevention mindset.

This program supports the mission of the Carlton Police Department’s dedication to the community by proactively solving problems and protecting life and property through education and prevention. “Police & Community Together”, can and will make our community safer and more livable. Please be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately to your local law enforcement agency. For more information about the “LOCK IT or LOSE IT” program and/or if you would like a sign to place in your yard, please feel free to contact the Carlton Police Department at 503-852-3805 or email Chief Martinez at kmartinez@ci.carlton.or.us

The Carlton Police Department urges citizen to be aware of what is going on in their neighborhoods and to report suspicious activity to law enforcement as much as in real time as possible. Citizens that have cameras are encouraged to monitor their camera footage especially in the early mornings and late at night and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement in real time as this helps us in addressing and apprehension of individuals involved in those crimes.