Baltimore City Police Department
Neighborhood Services Unit
VEHICLE CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

If you park during daylight hours, think about how the location will look if you need to return when it is dark. Look for well-lit areas when you park your car. Do not park next to areas that could conceal a potential criminal, such as shrubbery, buildings, and dumpsters, etc.

Before exiting your car, first look around to see if there are any threats to your safety.

Always have keys to your destination in hand (car, office, home, etc.) so you do not waste precious time fumbling for them. Seconds can make a difference to your personal safety.

As you approach your car check for potential threats to your safety. Look alongside, around, and beneath your car and check the interior of your car before you get in - someone may be hiding from you.

If you observe someone in your car, do not approach. Instead, leave as quickly as you can and call the police.

Always check to make sure you do not have a flat tire or other visible damage to your car that will render it disabled.

If you must give flight, DROP any packages or other items you may be carrying. If necessary, you can always come back when it is safe to retrieve them. It is better to give up personal property than to sustain serious injury or death.

A cell phone is highly recommended for anyone traveling by vehicle.

Keep your car in good running condition to avoid breakdowns. Tires, lights and windshield wipers should all be in good repair and functional.

Keep at least a half-tank of gas in your car at all times.

Always drive with your car doors locked. Keep your windows rolled up whenever possible.

Lock personal valuables in the trunk of your car, far away from your destination, or take them with you.

Be careful of clothing, mail, magazines, etc. that could identify your sex and where you live. Turn the address label side of any mail or magazines face down on the car seat so someone cannot learn your name or where you live.

For women, avoid leaving articles of clothes hanging in your car that could identify your sex. If necessary hang men's size XXL shirt or coat in the car with your articles of clothing.

Be aware of vanity plates or decals that can identify you by your sex.

Do not give rides to hitchhikers.

Do not get out of your car to help another motorist in trouble. Instead, signal them you will get help and then go to a telephone and call the police.

If someone follows you while driving, head for the nearest police or fire station, or open gas station or other business, or well lighted residence where you can safely call the police. If possible, try to jot down the car's license plate number and description. If there are no nearby safe areas then repeatedly honk your car's horn and activate your emergency flashers.
In parking ramps and especially underground or enclosed parking structures, be especially alert and careful. Do not waste time getting into your car.

BREAK DOWN

Again - in these situations a cell phone is invaluable. You can dial 9-1-1 to state your emergency and request help.

Always make sure someone knows when to expect you.

Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up.

DO NOT raise the hood of your car. It can block your view, and may call undo attention to your situation.

Carry and place a Call Police sign in one of your side windows facing traffic. Alternatively, tie a white cloth to your door handle or car's antenna.

If someone approaches to help and your window is down, roll it up so it is only open about one inch. Tell them the police have already been called, but that you would not mind if they called again.