Denver Police Department - District Five Auto Theft & Burglary Prevention Tips

By Officer Vanita Warren

You can help to prevent a Crime of Opportunity from happening to you. A crime
consists of three elements: opportunity, desire and ability. When either of these
elements is missing, the crime cannot occur. In crimes of opportunity, property is
easily accessible to a would-be thief. While you cannot always prevent one’s desire
or ability; you can prevent, or at least reduce, their opportunity.

Auto thefts and burglary are common crimes of opportunity. Thieves are naturally
deterred by police presence; however, we cannot be everywhere at the same
time. Therefore, residents continue to be a first-line-of-defense against crimes of
opportunity in their community. Do not make it easy for criminals to take advantage
of you, your family, or your property.

Remember the Three D’s of Burglary Prevention:

• Deter – Sound home security practices are a good deterrent, and help to
  eliminate “opportunity.”
• Detect – Burglars try to avoid drawing attention to themselves. Detection
  of a suspect increases when they’re forced to work where they can be seen.
  Locked doors and windows that have to be forced are a sure way for watchful
  neighbors to detect burglars.
• Delay – When entry is time-consuming or difficult, it is often sufficient enough
  to deter the crime. Burglars try to avoid detection; so the longer it takes to force
  a door or a window, they’re increasing their risk of getting caught.

Take time to implement safety and prevention tips. It’s not possible to prevent every
crime, but a little prevention can go a long way. With these tips, you can help to
protect yourself and reduce your chances of being victimized:

To Prevent Thefts, Auto Thefts, and Burglaries:

• Always lock vehicles when not in use
• Don’t leave unoccupied vehicles running
• Take your keys, even if you are going to be away just a moment
• Consider installing “kill” switches or alarms in your vehicles
• Remember the Three-D’s of Burglary Prevention
• Always close garage doors after use
• Don’t leave unattended property, such as bicycles, outside your residence
• Don’t leave belongings inside your vehicle in plain view
• Keep your house well-lit to deter would-be burglars
• Call 9-1-1 to report suspicious persons
• Talk to your neighbors and look out for one another