A decade ago, it was rare for cars to be stolen and burgled here on the East End, but the last few years have seen an uptick in vehicular crime here. With that in mind, the Southampton Town Police Department has shared tips to prevent car thieves from striking again.
At home, if you have a garage, the cops suggest you use it. If you're away from home or shopping during evening hours, they suggest parking in a well-lit and open area. Avoid dark areas that don't provide long sight-lines.
Thieves are opportunistic, the police department said. They may canvass a parking area by simply walking by cars and looking to see bags or electronics left out on a seat. In particular, phones and iPads attract the attention of thieves because they're small and easy to grab, carry, and sell. Hide these items if you cannot take them with you.
Lock your car doors. It's not difficult. Usually this will arm your car's alarm system as well, another plus.
Finally, the police encourage phone calls if you see suspicious activity in a parking area. That said, people should only use 911 if witnessing a crime in progress or have an emergency. The non-emergency number for the Southampton Town Police Department is 631-728-5000. For East Hampton Town, it's 631-537-7575.
