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Yonkers Police Warns Residents Of Rise In Auto Thefts, Provides Safety Tips

YONKERS, N.Y. - With auto larcenies on the rise in Westchester County, the Yonkers Police Department has issued a series of tips for homeowners to help combat auto theft.

The Yonkers Police Department offered advice for homeowners to avoid auto theft.

The Yonkers Police Department offered advice for homeowners to avoid auto theft.

Photo Credit: File

In an alert issued on Tuesday, officials in Yonkers noted that “thieves look for easy targets” stating that the Police Department “needs your help in combatting auto theft.

According to the department, white Hondas and Toyotas are usually the cars most often stolen, though “any car is desirable to a thief.” Police said that thieves have been targeting items such as GPS systems, headlights, mirrors, airbags and radios.

The tips offered by the Yonkers Police Department include:

  • Never leave keys in the car. Cars have been stolen while warming up in front of homes and while the owner has stopped briefly to mail a letter or buy a newspaper. This also applies to garage owners.
  • Park in a well-lit area. Police said that most auto thieves prefer working under the cover of darkness. Garage doors should also always be locked.
  • Anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks and ignition should be used, if applicable.
  • Cut-off switches and alarm, while not foolproof, should be activated and “are a proven deterrent to car thieves.”
  • Packages should not be left in open view in the vehicle. They should be locked in a trunk or taken inside.
  • Residents living in apartment complexes with parking lots should urge building management to install security cameras and better lighting in the parking areas.
  • If a suspicious person is found in the neighborhood - people trying to open car doors, driving slowly around the same block several times, driving through lots and streets at night with their headlights turned off - police should immediately be notified.
  • The police department noted that to falsely report a car is insurance fraud, and can be punishable with imprisonment or fines. 

A complete list of advice and tips from the Yonkers Police Department can be read online.

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