Burglary of
parked cars without breaking and entering. Typically oocurs in affluent middle-class sprawl where security is minimal and surveillance predictable. Shoppers
may operate in low traffic parking lots or by night in residential areas.
Thieves will
target unlocked vehicles for small valuables like sunglasses, loose change, wallets, CDs, small electronics and accessories. Stereo equipment and other permanent installations are generally left undisturbed. Occasionally a
car shopper
may force entry when a visible briefcase, backpack, or box is likely to contain exceptionally valuable items (
e.g. laptop
computer or merchandise)
To evade detection and remain inconspicuous, perpetrators selectively
target favorable conditions. Ideal targets include street parking adjacent to dwellings with
lax security and multiple luxury vehicles. Classification of a likely owner and proximity to that person's residency
may also be taken into account.
To protect your residence, professional security or visible evidence of pets are the highest deterrents. Automatic appliances activated by timer or motion detection provide effective low cost security. Vanity lighting and sprinkler systems offer additional utilitarian deterrence as well.
