Defenders share safety tips Published Dec. 6, 2012 By Senior Airman Mary O'Dell 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE-Wash. -- For the past two years in a row, Spokane has been ranked fourth in the nation for vehicle theft and number one in Washington State. FBI officials state that vehicle theft is the number one property crime in the country. "By definition, a vehicle prowling is the theft of property from your vehicle," said Staff Sgt. Denine Deal, NCO in charge of police services. "Vehicle prowling and theft increases during the holiday season due to the high volume of shoppers leaving their bags in plain sight in mall parking lots and other public areas." In vehicle prowling, the perpetrator will take things varying in value from expensive electronics, to tools and golf clubs, usually left in plain sight. This is also known as a "crime of opportunity," Deal said. "While property theft is a big concern, people should also consider identity theft," said Deal. "Leaving personal items such as receipts or even garage door openers leave your information vulnerable." In Washington, a car is stolen every 13 minutes. One of five of those cars was stolen with the keys left inside, she said. "There are ways for people to prevent these crimes," said Deal. "By taking a few simple steps, individuals can dramatically reduce their chances of becoming potential victims." Some tips to prevent vehicle crimes are: · Always make sure to lock doors · Keep valuables out of sight · Never keep a second set of keys inside the vehicle · Never leave a vehicle running while unattended · Completely close all windows while not in the vehicle The Revised Code of Washington, along with Air Force Instruction 4.23.1, state that "no person driving or in charge of a vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing up any perceptible grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway." "If someone is going to make themselves a target, they should make themselves a hard target," Deal said. "The more people practice prevention, the more successful their prevention will be." There are crime maps available online that show exactly where different types of crimes and how many of them are committed in a certain amount of time. For more information on these and any other information about crime prevention techniques call 247-2077.