Washington, DC

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, as part of Back to Basics DC, Mayor Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were out in the community sharing safety tips for preventing vehicle thefts and break ins, including locking doors and keeping valuables out of sight.

“Today, we’re sharing tips with residents about how they can keep their vehicles and belongings safe,” said Mayor Bowser. “Being more mindful is particularly important during the summer months when we see an uptick in theft. Often times, these types of thefts are a crime of opportunity. We’re asking residents to take away those opportunities by never – not even for a few minutes – leaving belongings visible and unattended in their cars. Remember: out of sight, out of mind. Together, we can create a safer, stronger DC.”

While walking around Ward 4, Mayor Bowser and 4D MPD officers issued “friendly citations” - $0 tickets that remind residents to lock vehicle doors and keep valuables out of sight.

During the walk, the Mayor and officers also spoke to residents and shared the following safety tips:

Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight

• The best way to prevent theft from an auto is to always keep valuables out of sight. Never leave cell phones, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, or electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, laptop computers, etc.) in your car in plain view. Take these items with you, or secure them - all the time, every time.

Secure GPS Devices

• While many GPS devices are mounted in the dashboard of the vehicle, MPD encourages anyone who uses a portable GPS device to take it with them, along with any other items of value, when parking their car.

Use Your Trunk

• If your car has a trunk, use it. Put valuables in the trunk or in a locked glove compartment. Hiding items under seats is better than leaving them in plain view, but securing them inside the glove compartment or trunk is a far better deterrent.

Lock It Up

• Keep car doors and windows locked at all times.

Back to Basics DC is an effort to highlight the day-to-day work that keeps the District moving forward. Follow Back to Basics DC on social media using #backtobasicsDC.