Chief offers simple measures that can prevent theft
By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
A recent increase in vehicle burglaries is under investigation by the Hays Police Department, but as the search for suspects continues, Police Chief Don Scheibler said simple precautions can help protect residents from becoming the next victim.
“Since Dec. 20, we have had 15 cases of vehicle burglary,” Scheibler said.
In most cases, he said, the crime could have been easily prevented. Vehicle theft is often a crime of opportunity, with most cases occurring in vehicles that have been left unlocked.
“Most of these, if not all of these, could have been avoided, if we had just taken a few extra steps to lock our car door and secure our property,” he said.
He also said while vehicle burglaries were most common, in some cases the vehicles were stolen as well.
“We have had some of those vehicles that have been stolen and driven to different locations, including one that was taken to Riley County,” Scheibler said.
Along with locking an unattended vehicle, he said securing valuables is also an important deterrent to theft.
“I would like to remind everybody it’s important to take their property inside and, if they can’t take it inside, put it in the trunk, put it out of sight, take your keys inside and lock those doors,” Scheibler said.
While some are lax in their safety precautions because they believe Hays devoid of frequent and major crimes, he warns crime can occur anywhere.
“I know we live in a good town. I know we trust everybody,” Scheibler said. “But the reality of it is there are people that will break into your car, take your property and take your car if you don’t take precautions. So we would ask people continue to be careful.”