Car Thefts On The Rise In Oskaloosa
Oskaloosa Police Department
Oskaloosa, Iowa – A recent rash of car thefts have the Oskaloosa Police Department busy lately.
I sat down with Oskaloosa Police Chief John “Jake” McGee for some information on the recent thefts, and how residents could best protect their property from being stolen.
McGee said that some cars were taken out of state, but that many of them have been dropped off a short distance after being taken. McGee said there is no particular portion of town that seems to be a hot spot for this activity.
McGee said that car thefts for the last fiscal year of 2011, the city had a total of seven car thefts, which was down by 47%. “That was probably the lowest that I can remember us ever having,” McGee said of the theft rate from last year. Since July 1st of this year, (start of 2012 fiscal year) there have already been six car thefts.
An Oskaloosa resident woke up Tuesday morning to find their car had been stolen. Another local resident also had their car stolen over the weekend. “This is probably the one crime that we could go through the year with having zero if people would just take their keys out of their car. I’ve been here 25 years and I recall one car theft, and it was in the late 80’s ,when a car was actually hot-wired,” McGee said of how most cars are stolen in the area.
Thieves have learned to look for keys in all the usual places we “hide” them. Places like under floor mats, visors, and in glove boxes are common spots. “It’s a matter of taking them out [keys], putting them in your pocket, and locking your car,” McGee said of how to best secure your car.
“If you don’t want things taken from your car, lock your car,” McGee said about securing your vehicle. This is especially important during the upcoming holiday season when thieves could easily spot packages and gifts in your car.
Beyond the holiday season, many people don’t even know they have had their car broken into as thieves will take change, cigarettes and other small items from your car. “We have very few car thefts where the windows are actually busted out,” McGee explained. McGee also explained that those looking for items will pick a target that is easiest for them to exploit, and draws the least amount of attention to them.
With my fresh understanding, I will pay more attention once again when a car alarm goes off. If you see a suspicious person messing with a car, McGee says to give his office a call.
