Over the past couple of months, the Lake Havasu City Police Department has seen an increase in reports of thefts from vehicles throughout Lake Havasu City. These thefts have primarily occurred at night and are believed to involve vehicles left unlocked while parked in residential areas.

The Lake Havasu City Police Department would like to remind our community to secure their vehicles when leaving them unattended. A few tips to deter theft are listed below:

1. Lock your vehicle doors when you exit and ensure all windows are rolled up.
2. Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, even if you lock the vehicle.
3. Position your vehicle in a well-lit area.
4. Remove items of value from vehicles including garage door openers, money, firearms or electronics.
5. Install motion lights and/or security cameras in the area you regularly park.
   

In addition to protecting your vehicle, we would like to remind our community to be vigilant with home security. Below are a few tips to assist with keeping your home secure.

1. Close your blinds or curtains so potential thieves cannot see valuables inside your home.
2. Be cautious about where you leave a spare key.  Consider a lock box or a close friend / relative to hold the key as opposed to leaving it under a welcome mat.
3. Ensure all doors and windows are secured with functioning locks, this includes pet access to your home. Also, make sure your garage door is down and the entry door between your garage and residence is locked.
4. Store any items of value (bicycles, tools, yard equipment, Etc...) in a locked garage or shed.
5. Write down serial numbers and take photographs of possessions or engrave identifying information on them. This will aid detectives in recovering your property if it is stolen.
6. Make your home appear to be occupied if you are gone for an extended time by asking a neighbor to collect mail / newspapers, installing a timer system on indoor / outdoor lights, and ensuring exterior gates are closed and locked.
7. Install constant or motion activated security cameras around the exterior of your home to capture suspicious activity.
8. Ask neighbors to watch your home and report any suspicious activity. Before leaving town, you can also call the non-emergency dispatch number at (928) 855-1171 to request extra patrol / vacation watch.

If you have any information about crimes or wanted criminals, please contact Havasu Silent Witness by phone or email where you can remain anonymous.

Public Information Officer:  Sergeant Kyle Ridgeway