Sunnyside Police Department

News Release

-- For immediate release --

11/18/09 1100 hours

Contact: Charlotte Hinderlider, Administrative Assistant

(509) 836-6222 office (509) 307-3826 cell

Sunnyside Police Department Main Number (509) 837-2120

Winter Auto Theft Prevention Efforts Beginning

Sunnyside, Wa. – The Sunnyside Police Department is excited to announce that calls for auto theft from January 1- November 1 2009 have decreased 49% compared to those same times in 2008. Our patrol officers are working diligently to handle the crime of auto theft in a proactive manner. Morning patrols by the Sunnyside Police Department’s Auto Theft Prevention Team are beginning, emphasizing people who are leaving their cars with the motor running. We are asking the citizens of the City of Sunnyside to assist us in preventing auto thefts by taking several precautionary measures:

Don't leave your car with the motor running. A car left unattended and with the motor running is an open invitation to a thief.
Close car windows and the sunroof when parking your car.
Don't leave a spare car key in the vehicle.
Keep in your possession your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, etc.
Leave nothing with your name and address, social security number or other personal information in your vehicle.
Your car is safer in your driveway than on the street; but it's even safer in a locked garage.
Park your vehicle on a well lit street and in well traveled place if possible.
Turn car wheels sharply toward or away from the curb and set the brake.
Leave your car parked in first gear or in reverse if your car has a manual transmission. Use the parking gear if you have an automatic transmission.
Burglar alarms and steering wheel locks, such as The Club, may help keep out thieves.

Background Information:

- A $124 fine can be given for leaving your vehicle running while unattended on a public thoroughfare.

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Media Advisory: Press Releases are available on-line @ www.ci.sunnyside.wa.us.