Palos Verdes Police Department

Police Department Crime Log- January Synopsis

As you will see in the synopsis below we have experienced a few residential and vehicle burglaries in our area. I have added a few tips below to help minimize the risk of your car or home from being burglarized. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me:
Community Relations Officer Domonique Franklin at 310-378-7522x1

January 4, 2006
Vehicle Burglary- Between 01/03/06 19:00 hrs.,- 01/04/06 07:00 hrs., in the 2000 blk of Via Visalia unknown suspect(s) enter victim’s unlocked vehicle and remove selected items. Suspect(s) then leave in unknown direction.

January 6, 2006
Vehicle Burglary- Between 01/05/06 18:00 hrs.,- 01/06/06 09:00 hrs., in the 900 blk of Paseo La Cresta unknown suspect (s) gain entry into the RP’s vehicle by punching the drivers side door lock. Once inside, suspects take selected items and leave the scene.

January 14, 2006
Burglary- Between 01/13/06 19:00 hrs.,- 01/13/06 21:00 hrs., in the 2100 blk of Via Alamitos unknown suspect(s) enter residence through unsecured rear doors. Once inside, suspect(s) take selected items and then flee undetected.

Identity Theft- At approximately 18:34 hrs., in the 800 blk of Via Del Monte on an undetermined date, the unknown suspect(s) obtained the victim’s identification information and opened two credit line accounts and transferred money from the victim’s existing account to the newly obtained account.

January 18, 2006
Petty Theft- Between 01/18/06 14:00 hrs.,- 01/18/06 17:30 hrs., in the 2200 blk of Via Guadalana unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s front yard, take a ladder located on the front porch of the residence and then flee the area in an unknown direction.

January 20, 2006
Petty theft- Between 10/28/05 10:30 hrs.,-10/28/05 hrs., in the 2500 blk of Via Anacapa unidentified suspect(s) enter victim’s front yard, remove outgoing package box containing cellular telephone and flee location.

Grand Theft- Between 12/20/05 10:00 hrs., - 01/19/06 10:00 hrs., in the 2500 blk of Via Campesina suspect enters residence to perform work and removes victim’s property from jewelry box located in master bedroom closet.

Vandalism- Between 01/20/06 12:20 hrs.,- 01/20/06 16:00 hrs., in the 2100 blk of Paseo del Mar unknown suspect(s) scratch the entire length of the passenger’s side of the victim’s vehicle with unknown object.

January 26, 2006
Burglary- Between 01/26/06 08:30 hrs.,- 01/26/06 10:30 hrs., in the 2100 blk of Via Balboa unknown suspect(s) gain entry to victim’s vehicle by unknown means and remove selected items

January 28, 2006
Grand Theft- Between 01/27/06 19:00 hrs.,- 01/28/06 07:00 hrs., in the 3200 blk of Via La Selva unknown suspect(s) enter unlocked vehicle parked at location and remove selected items. Suspect(s) leave location by unknown means.

Vandalism- Between 01/27/06 22:30 hrs., - 01/28/06 07:00 hrs., in the 2200 blk of Via Guadalana unknown suspect(s) use an unknown tool to slash the tire of the victim’s
vehicle.

January 31, 2006
Burglary- between 12/25/05 12:00 hrs.,- 01/31/06 18:30 hrs., in the 2500 blk of Via Pinale unknown suspect(s) enter residence through unknown means. Once inside, suspect(s) take selected items and flee undetected.

Keep your car secure.
Follow these tips to make sure that your car remains secure and undamaged.
- Keep your keys and lock your car– always. Though this seems like an obvious tip, a lot of people ignore it. One out of every 5 stolen cars is taken with the keys in it; half of all cars stolen are left unlocked. So, don't leave your keys in your car, even that extra "hidden" set for emergencies. And don't leave your car doors unlocked, even if your car is parked in your driveway. Thieves take the time to check for unlocked doors and keys, factors that just make their job easier.
- Make sure your car doesn't run without you. Though it seems convenient, leaving your car running in front of the dry cleaner or to warm up on a cold day can be just the moment a thief needs to take it. Never leave your car running unless you're in the driver's seat.
- Park in well-lit, attended areas. Lights and people will deter most car thieves and vandals. If you can't find a parking lot with an attendant, choose a place that prominently displays surveillance cameras and other security features.
- Keep your car's windows and sunroofs completely closed. Don't encourage a thief by providing an obvious entrance to your car. If you leave your sunroof partially open or the window down a crack, you've given a thief a helping hand. Even a miniscule opening in a car window can provide enough room for thieves to work their way in.
- Avoid leaving valuables in your car, especially in visible areas. Don't offer car thieves an extra incentive to break in. Enticing items can be as innocent as bags or packages in your car or as expensive as customized equipment. Make sure things like stereo equipment is theft protected. Keep packages and other items in the trunk if you have to have them in your car. Even better, leave them at home.
- Use car theft prevention devices. Car alarms, particularly when your car is marked as being alarmed, help deter theft and vandalism. If a thief does succeed in getting into your car, steering wheel locks, protective steering columns, and car-disabling locks for the ignition, fuel, and other systems make it more difficult for a thief to drive away. Tracking systems, which help the police locate your car if it does get stolen, improve the chances of auto recovery. (Cars fitted with anti-theft devices are typically eligible for auto insurance discounts as well.)

Home Security

Doors, Windows, Locks, and Keys:
- All doors that lead to the outside should be metal or solid-core, 1-3/4 inch hardwood. Most hollow doors can be easily broken through.
- Each door should fit in its frame with no more than 1/8-inch clearance between the door and frame. A metal lining on the inside of an exterior door can prevent drilling, sawing, or kicking through.
- Make sure all doors to the outside have good locks -- deadbolt locks with a minimum 1-1/2 inch bolt.
- Make sure locks are also installed on screen and storm doors, garage doors, cellar doors, patio doors, and any other door that leads to the outside (including second-floor patios or decks).
- Always use the locks you have, on both your home and your garage. Lock up every time you go out, even if it's only for a few minutes. Almost 50 percent of burglars enter homes or property through unlocked doors or windows.
- Locks on doors should be placed at least 40 inches away from windows, glass panels, and other potential openings such as mail slots. Make it hard for a burglar to reach in and unlock your door. Or install double cylinder, deadbolt locks that need to be opened with a key from the inside as well as the outside.
- Door hinges should always be on the inside and designed so that hinge pin cannot be removed from the outside.
- Never hide keys outside, such as under a bush or in a flowerpot. Burglars know where to find "secret" hiding places. It's much better to leave a key with a trusted neighbor.
- Don't place identification tags on your keys or key rings; if you lose them, you give potential burglars help.
- Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broom handle in the door track. Burglars look for sliding glass doors because they are the easiest to open.
- Secure roof openings and exhaust systems.
- Make sure windows, especially those at ground level, have good locks-and always use the locks you have.
- The center thumb-turn locks on many standard windows can be easily pried open or reached through a broken pane.
- For especially vulnerable windows, install key locks or consider installing grates or grilles (but make sure the devices can be easily detached to allow quick escape during a fire or other emergency). Glass block windows offer excellent security for basement windows.

Shrubbery and Lighting:
- Make sure all porches and other possible entrances are well lit, with at least 40-watt bulbs. A well-lit house is far better protected than a house without lights.
- Overgrown bushes, tree limbs, or landscaping can provide cover for burglars. Trim them to the height of porches or windows.

Other Tips:
- Always lock up ladders and tools. Don't give a burglar the resources to break into your home.
- Window air conditioning units should be bolted to the wall to prevent them from being easily removed from the outside.
- If you have recently purchased a television, stereo equipment, or other household items, do not throw the empty boxes in the alley garbage. This is a sure sign and strong temptation for burglars.
- Turn the ringer on the telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won't be alerted to your absence by a ringing phone.
- If you are out during the day or on vacation, use an automatic timer to turn on lights and a radio at different times of the day. It is an easy way to disguise the fact they you aren't home.
- Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers every day while you are on vacation. Have a neighbor use your garbage cans occasionally.

Children and young persons commit most acts of vandalism.

Therefore, a great responsibility rests with parents to set a good example. Parents must realize they must constantly monitor their child's various stages of development, his or her changes in interest, friends, attitudes, etc. Parents must ensure their child does not succumb to the negative pressures, which all too often end in trouble.

Suggested Preventative Measures Include the Following:

- Improved lighting.
- Rapid reporting of incidents of vandalism, as well as suspicious persons loitering in an area where an act of vandalism may be committed. Do not assume that someone else has already made the call.
- Maintain a "good neighbor" policy, watch out for your neighbors' property as well as your own.
- Parents should be aware of their children's associates and activities.
- Inform your children of the criminal consequences of vandalism and ask that your children observe a curfew in your home.

Minimize the risk of car burglary

- Keep your keys and lock your car– always. Though this seems like an obvious tip, a lot of people ignore it. One out of every 5 stolen cars is taken with the keys in it; half of all cars stolen are left unlocked. So, don't leave your keys in your car, even that extra "hidden" set for emergencies. And don't leave your car doors unlocked, even if your car is parked in your driveway. Thieves take the time to check for unlocked doors and keys, factors that just make their job easier.
- Make sure your car doesn't run without you. Though it seems convenient, leaving your car running in front of the dry cleaner or to warm up on a cold day can be just the moment a thief needs to take it. Never leave your car running unless you're in the driver's seat.
- Park in well-lit, attended areas. Lights and people will deter most car thieves and vandals. If you can't find a parking lot with an attendant, choose a place that prominently displays surveillance cameras and other security features.

- Keep your car's windows and sunroofs completely closed. Don't encourage a thief by providing an obvious entrance to your car. If you leave your sunroof partially open or the window down a crack, you've given a thief a helping hand. Even a miniscule opening in a car window can provide enough room for thieves to work their way in.

- Avoid leaving valuables in your car, especially in visible areas. Don't offer car thieves an extra incentive to break in. Enticing items can be as innocent as bags or packages in your car or as expensive as customized equipment. Make sure things like stereo equipment is theft protected. Keep packages and other items in the trunk if you have to have them in your car. Even better, leave them at home.

- Use car theft prevention devices. Car alarms, particularly when your car is marked as being alarmed, help deter theft and vandalism. If a thief does succeed in getting into your car, steering wheel locks, protective steering columns, and car-disabling locks for the ignition, fuel, and other systems make it more difficult for a thief to drive away. Tracking systems, which help the police locate your car if it does get stolen improve the chances of auto recovery. (Cars fitted with anti-theft devices are typically eligible for auto insurance discounts as well.)

We have encountered a few vehicle and residential burglaries in our area. Although some of the incidents involved forced entry most often the suspect(s) gain entry through an unlocked/ open door or window. According to FBI reports, only one in four burglaries involve forced entry; most intruders gain access through unlocked doors or open windows. Here are some tips to keep your family and belongings safe:

- Do not leave your front door or garage open while doing yard work in the back. Make sure no ladders are left out and that all ground floor windows have locks that work. Even if you’re only leaving home for a few minutes, close and lock windows that are easy to access.
- Deadbolt locks offer the best protection and come in two varieties: one that requires a key on both sides, and one that only requires a key on the outside. If your door has a pane of glass within arm’s reach of the lock, choose a deadbolt that requires a key to open from the inside as well.
- Make sure that all windows have locks in good working order. If they’re left partially open on a regular basis, the windows should have locks that prevent them from being fully opened from the outside. If this isn’t an option, a simple solution is to install a peg in the window frame so that the window can’t be fully opened. This should be removable, however, so family members can open the window to escape in case of fire.
- Having a burglar alarm is no guarantee, but since most intruders are amateurs and on the lookout for an easy target, they can be effective deterrents. If you do obtain an alarm system, make the effort to be familiar with its features and use it.
- Make sure all potential points of entry are lit. Consider installing lights with photoelectric sensors that come on automatically when the sun sets or motion sensors that detect movement nearby. When leaving your home for an extended period, make your home looks occupied. Keep a car parked in your driveway if possible. Stop your mail and newspaper delivery, have a trusted friend or neighbor pick them up for you

Observant neighbors may be your best defense against burglary. Ask neighbors to keep an eye out for your property, and offer to do the same. Join your local Neighborhood Watch, and ask people to call 378-4211 when witnessing anything suspicious. No matter how safe your neighborhood may seem, there’s always the potential for burglary or other residential crime. Be observant, practice common sense, and keep safe habits. For more information about joining Neighborhood Watch call me at 378-7522x1

Dear Parents:

Please be aware that we have had two sexual assault incidents occur in our area involving the use of a website called Myspace.com. Although you are suppose to be 18 to post an add on MySpace.com school aged children (12-up) like to post on this web site because it’s like having your very own web page where you can post pictures of you and your friends, your favorite music and other interest for free. Kids make new friends while chatting with their regular school buddies. Unfortunately the same advances in computer and telecommunication technology that allow our children to reach out to new sources of knowledge and cultural experiences are also leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and harm by computer-sex offenders. Sexual predators have been using this website to make contact with young girls and setting up meetings with the intentions of having sex. Please pay close attention to what websites your children have access to and who they are e-mailing. Most internet services offer restrictions (blocks) so children can not have access to dating or personal sites we strongly advised that you look into it.

Our children are our Nation's most valuable asset. They represent the bright future of our country and hold our hopes for a better Nation. Our children are also the most vulnerable members of society. Protecting our children against the fear of crime and from becoming victims of crime must be a national priority.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact: Community Relations Officer Domonique Franklin or Sgt. Doherty at 310-378-7522

.What Are Signs That Your Child Might Be At Risk On-line-

Your child spends large amounts of time on-line, especially at night.

Most children that fall victim to computer-sex offenders spend large amounts of time on-line, particularly in chat rooms. They may go on-line after dinner and on the weekends. They may be latchkey kids whose parents have told them to stay at home after school. They go on-line to chat with friends, make new friends, pass time, and sometimes look for sexually explicit information. While much of the knowledge and experience gained may be valuable, parents should consider monitoring the amount of time spent on-line.

Children on-line are at the greatest risk during the evening hours. While offenders are on-line around the clock, most work during the day and spend their evenings on-line trying to locate and lure children or seeking pornography.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Child Is Communicating With A Sexual Predator On-line-

Consider talking openly with your child about your suspicions. Tell them about the dangers of computer-sex offenders.
Review what is on your child's computer. If you don't know how, ask a friend, coworker, relative, or other knowledgeable person. Pornography or any kind of sexual communication can be a warning sign.
Use the Caller ID service to determine who is calling your child. Most telephone companies that offer Caller ID also offer a service that allows you to block your number from appearing on someone else's Caller ID. Telephone companies also offer an additional service feature that rejects incoming calls that you block. This rejection feature prevents computer-sex offenders or anyone else from calling your home anonymously.
Devices can be purchased that show telephone numbers that have been dialed from your home phone. Additionally, the last number called from your home phone can be retrieved provided that the telephone is equipped with a redial feature. You will also need a telephone pager to complete this retrieval.
This is done using a numeric-display pager and another phone that is on the same line as the first phone with the redial feature. Using the two phones and the pager, a call is placed from the second phone to the pager. When the paging terminal beeps for you to enter a telephone number, you press the redial button on the first (or suspect) phone. The last number called from that phone will then be displayed on the pager.
Monitor your child's access to all types of live electronic communications (i.e., chat rooms, instant messages, Internet Relay Chat, etc.), and monitor your child's e-mail. Computer-sex offenders almost always meet potential victims via chat rooms. After meeting a child on-line, they will continue to communicate electronically often via e-mail.

Should any of the following situations arise in your household, via the Internet or on-line service, you should immediately contact your local or state law enforcement agency, the FBI, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:

Your child or anyone in the household has received child pornography;
Your child has been sexually solicited by someone who knows that your child is under 18 years of age;
Your child has received sexually explicit images from someone that knows your child is under the age of 18.

If one of these scenarios occurs, keep the computer turned off in order to preserve any evidence for future law enforcement use. Unless directed to do so by the law enforcement agency, you should not attempt to copy any of the images and/or text found on the computer.

What Can You Do To Minimize The Chances Of An On-line Exploiter Victimizing Your Child-

Communicate, and talk to your child about sexual victimization and potential on-line danger.
Spend time with your children on-line. Have them teach you about their favorite on-line destinations.
Keep the computer in a common room in the house, not in your child's bedroom. It is much more difficult for a computer-sex offender to communicate with a child when the computer screen is visible to a parent or another member of the household.
Utilize parental controls provided by your service provider and/or blocking software. While electronic chat can be a great place for children to make new friends and discuss various topics of interest, it is also prowled by computer-sex offenders. Use of chat rooms, in particular, should be heavily monitored. While parents should utilize these mechanisms, they should not totally rely on them.
Always maintain access to your child's on-line account and randomly check his/her e-mail. Be aware that your child could be contacted through the U.S. Mail. Be up front with your child about your access and reasons why.
Teach your child the responsible use of the resources on-line. There is much more to the on-line experience than chat rooms.
Find out what computer safeguards are utilized by your child's school, the public library, and at the homes of your child's friends. These are all places, outside your normal supervision, where your child could encounter an on-line predator.
Understand, even if your child was a willing participant in any form of sexual exploitation, that he/she is not at fault and is the victim. The offender always bears the complete responsibility for his or her actions.
Instruct your children:

to never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they met on- line;
to never upload (post) pictures of themselves onto the Internet or on-line service to people they do not personally know;
to never give out identifying information such as their name, home address, school name, or telephone number;
to never download pictures from an unknown source, as there is a good chance there could be sexually explicit images;
to never respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, or harassing;
that whatever they are told on-line may or may not be true.

Frequently Asked Questions:

My child has received an e-mail advertising for a pornographic website, what should I do-

Generally, advertising for an adult, pornographic website that is sent to an e-mail address does not violate federal law or the current laws of most states. In some states it may be a violation of law if the sender knows the recipient is under the age of 18. Such advertising can be reported to your service provider and, if known, the service provider of the originator. It can also be reported to your state and federal legislators, so they can be made aware of the extent of the problem.

Is any service safer than the others-

Sex offenders have contacted children via most of the major on-line services and the Internet. The most important factors in keeping your child safe on-line are the utilization of appropriate blocking software and/or parental controls, along with open, honest discussions with your child, monitoring his/her on-line activity, and following the tips in this pamphlet.

Megans Law

In 1996, California enacted "Megan’s Law," which provides the public with photographs and descriptive information on serious sex offenders residing in California who have been convicted of committing sex crimes and are required to register their whereabouts with local law enforcement. The registration requirement is for life unless the offender is relieved of this responsibility through legal process. The release of this information to the public is a means of assuring public protection and not to punish the offender. The information may not be used to harass the offender or commit any crime against the offender. Public safety is best served when offenders are not concealing their location to avoid harassment. http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/

Vehicle Burglars Apprehended

Since the beginning of March, we have had a rash of about 8 burglaries to vehicles parked on Paseo Del Mar. In one of the burglaries, a credit card was stolen and then used at a 7-11 store (a number of them).Our detectives were able to get a photo of the suspect from a surveillance camera at a 7-11 in Hermosa Beach. The photo was passed along to patrol. Last week, Officer Strahan contacted a number of surfers and told them about the burglaries and asked them to call the police if they see anyone looking suspicious. One of them did see someone acting suspicious today and called us. Consequently, the two men (one depicted in the photo) were arrested Wednesday, March 16^th in the 700 blk of Paseo Del Mar.

BEWARE- PVE PHONE SCAM ALERT

In the past few days the police department has received several calls from residents to report what we believe to be a phone scam. Suspect(s) call the victims’ phone and claims to be a police department calling to notify them that a family member has been in an accident and leaves a phone number for the victim to call back (the numbers have been out of state phone numbers originating from illinoise-773-815-708 prefixes). When the victim contacts the number the suspect then directs them to press flash and call another number. The victim has now unknowingly opened up their phone line so the suspect(s) can make contact with whomever they are trying to communicate with. These phone calls will now be charged to the victims’ phone bill and the victim has no idea that they have been scammed. If you receive a phone call that sounds similar to this please hang up and notify the police department at 310-378-4211.

Press Release

The discoveries of five dead peacocks within a week, and all in the Malaga Cove area have the police department and local residents concerned. The exact cause of death will be determined within the next several days through a clinical necropsy. The intentional killing of peafowl is a felony under California Penal Code Section 597 (Cruelty to Animals); and violators will be prosecuted. Anyone with information that can assist the police department in the investigation is encouraged to call Captain Mark Velez at the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department (310) 378-4211. Sources of information will be kept confidential.

Police Department Crime Log- January Synopsis

As you will see in the synopsis below we have experienced vandalism and a few car burglaries in our area. I have added a few tips to help prevent vandalism and minimize the risk of your car becoming burglarized:

January 6, 2005

Grand Theft- Between 01/06/05 14:00 hrs.,- 01/06/05 15:45 hrs., in the 300 blk of Paseo del Mar unknown suspect removes the listed property from the victim’s gym bag and flees in an unknown direction.

January 12, 2005

Vehicle Burglary- Between 1/11/05 21:30 hrs.- 1/12/05 07:20 hrs., in the 2700 blk of Via La Selva unknown suspect(s) smashes the right rear window of the victim’s vehicle. Suspect then uses a 3ft. piece of bamboo and pushes the door lock open. Suspect gains entry and removes the selected property.

Vehicle Burglary- Between 1/11/05 21:00 hrs.- 1/12/05 hrs., in the 2700 blk of Via La Selva unknown suspect(s) uses unknown tool to smash the victim’s vehicle window. Suspect reaches into the vehicle and removes listed property

January 14, 2005

Identity Theft- Between 12/17/04 00:00 hrs.- 12/20/04 00:00 hrs. in the 400 blk of Oakley Road unknown suspect(s) fraudulently use(s) lost/stolen personal checks of victim to purchase merchandise at various locations.

January 20, 2005

Vandalism- Between 01/18/05 13:00 hrs.,- 01/18/05 15:30 hrs., in the 700 blk of Paseo Del Mar a unknown suspect(s) scratched the victim’s vehicle with an unknown object causing permanent damage.

January 22, 2005

Burglary- Between 01/19/05 09:00 hrs.,- 01/21/05 15:00 hrs., in the 500 blk of Paseo Del Mar unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s residence and removed selected items without permission.

January 24, 2005

Vandalism-Between 01/21/05 08:00 hrs., - 01/22/05 06:00 hrs., in the 2300 blk of Paseo Del Mar unknown suspect(s) keyed the victim’s vehicle without permission. The suspect(s) fled the scene undetected in an unknown direction.

January 25, 2005

Burglary- Between 01/16/05 17:00 hrs.,- 01/25/05 08:36 hrs., in the 3100 blk of Paseo Del Campo unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s residence by smashing open the kitchen window screen. The suspect(s) fled the scene through the kitchen window undetected in an unknown direction.

Vandalism- Between 01/21/05 08:00 hrs., - 01/21/05 13:30 hrs., in the 2300 blk of Paseo del Mar a unknown suspect(s) keyed the victims vehicle without permission. The suspect(s) then fled the scene in and unknown direction undetected.

January 26, 2005

Burglary/ Identity Theft- Between 01/26/05 12:00 hrs.,- 01/26/05 14:15 hrs., in the 300 blk of Paseo del Mar unknown suspect(s) gain entry to the victim’s vehicle by unknown means and takes credit cards and U.S. currency from the victim’s wallet. The suspect(s) then falsely represent themselves as the victim to obtain goods and cash.

January 27, 2005

Vandalism- Between 01/26/05 22:33 hrs.,- 01/26/05 22:36 hrs., in the 2100 blk of Palos Verdes Dr West possible named suspect caused damage to the breakaway gas hose and made no attempt to contact the business.

January 28, 2005

Petty Theft- Between 01/27/05 11:50 hrs.,- 01/27/05 12:35 hrs., in the 600 blk of Cloyden Rd. named student reportedly entered another student’s unattended backpack during P.E. and stole selected item.

Vehicle Burglary- Between 01/28/05 12:00 hrs.,- 01/28/05 13:30 hrs., in the 700 blk of Paseo Del Mar unidentified suspect(s) presumably used a key to enter the victim’s locked vehicle and remove the listed stolen property from the drivers side door.

Vehicle Burglary- Between 01/27/05 19:00 hrs.,- 01/28/05 08:20 hrs., in the 1800 blk of Palos Verdes Dr West unidentified suspect(s) used unknown blunt object to smash the rear passenger window of the vehicle. Suspect(s) then remove selected items from rear seat area and flee in unknown direction.

Vandalism (the willful damage or defacing of property belonging to another person or the public) is a criminal offense. Vandalism may be perpetrated wherever the opportunity exists - often in the schools after hours, in public parks after dark, and on premises which are not occupied. Usually vandals do their mischief when they think that no one will see them - at least no one who is likely to stop them.

Most acts of vandalism are committed by children and young persons. Parents must realize that most vandals are young people -- from grade schoolers to teens to young adults -- who damage property for one or more of the following reasons:

Boredom
Anger
Revenge
Defiance
Alliance

Therefore, a great responsibility rests with parents to set a good example. Parents must constantly monitor their child's various stages of development, his or her changes in interest, friends, attitudes, etc. Parents must ensure their child does not succumb to the negative pressures which all too often end in trouble.

Suggested Preventative Measures Include the Following:

Improved lighting.
Rapid reporting of incidents of vandalism, as well as suspicious persons loitering in an area where an act of vandalism may be committed. Do not assume that someone else has already made the call.
Maintain a "good neighbor" policy; watch out for your neighbors' property as well as your own.
Parents should be aware of their children's associates and activities.
Inform your children of the criminal consequences of vandalism and ask that your children observe a curfew in your home.
Protect your house or apartment from vandalism by using good lighting and locking gates and garages.

Minimize the risk of your car being burglarized

If you think thief’s only target expensive cars, think again. Two of the most commonly stolen cars are the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. A rise in thefts has recently been observed in port or border cities, where professional car theft rings have been increasingly active. Not surprisingly, urban areas also tend to have higher numbers of auto thefts.

Keep your car secure.
Follow these tips to make sure that your car remains secure and undamaged.

Keep your keys and lock your car– always. Though this seems like an obvious tip, a lot of people ignore it. One out of every 5 stolen cars is taken with the keys in it; half of all cars stolen are left unlocked. So, don't leave your keys in your car, even that extra "hidden" set for emergencies. And don't leave your car doors unlocked, even if your car is parked in your driveway. Thieves take the time to check for unlocked doors and keys, factors that just make their job easier.
Make sure your car doesn't run without you. Though it seems convenient, leaving your car running in front of the dry cleaner or to warm up on a cold day can be just the moment a thief needs to take it. Never leave your car running unless you're in the driver's seat.
Park in well-lit, attended areas. Lights and people will deter most car thieves and vandals. If you can't find a parking lot with an attendant, choose a place that prominently displays surveillance cameras and other security features.
Keep your car's windows and sunroofs completely closed. Don't encourage a thief by providing an obvious entrance to your car. If you leave your sunroof partially open or the window down a crack, you've given a thief a helping hand. Even a miniscule opening in a car window can provide enough room for thieves to work their way in.
Avoid leaving valuables in your car, especially in visible areas. Don't offer car thieves an extra incentive to break in. Enticing items can be as innocent as bags or packages in your car or as expensive as customized equipment. Make sure things like stereo equipment is theft protected. Keep packages and other items in the trunk if you have to have them in your car. Even better, leave them at home.
Use car theft prevention devices. Car alarms, particularly when your car is marked as being alarmed, help deter theft and vandalism. If a thief does succeed in getting into your car, steering wheel locks, protective steering columns, and car-disabling locks for the ignition, fuel, and other systems make it more difficult for a thief to drive away. Tracking systems, which help the police locate your car if it does get stolen improve the chances of auto recovery. (Cars fitted with anti-theft devices are typically eligible for auto insurance discounts as well.)

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Though certain anti-theft features like tracking systems can cost you money at the outset, you’ll save on your car insurance because of lower car insurance rates and/or auto insurance discounts for certain anti-theft equipment.