PSA: Do Not Park Here

Car break-ins have increased in certain neighborhoods over the past year or so. I fell victim to a few months back. Luckily, they got into my car without breaking my window. I think I was dumb enough to leave the car unlocked.  The perp left all my adapters and wires and even a few store gift cards. All they took was about $3.59 in change.

How bad has it gotten lately? The police has recently placed warnings and tips on cars in my neighborhood.

While most of the tips are common sense and good advice, there’s one more tip I would add.

Keep an eye out for broken glass like this:

It’s a tell-tale sign that you’re in an area that thieves think is safe to strike overnight.

I often walk my dogs along Front Street between Washington Ave and Market and I see areas, like the photo above, constantly. I’m often amazed that people will park in the exact spot that someone was just broken into. Predictably enough, there’s a better-than-not chance that car end up with a broken window and have been rummaged through.

Times are tough and people are desperate to pay bills or feed addictions.

I know parking is scarce in the city. When you finally see a space open, after driving around for what feels like days, it’s hard to ignore it, but a broken-into car isn’t worth it. If you see shattered auto glass in an open spot or nearby spots drive around for another spot or just pay to park.