Smash and Grab Warning

On 09/25/12, between 2pm and 8pm, six vehicle burglaries were reported to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in the East Naples area of Collier County. Several commonalities existed in each of the reported incidents:

• All vehicles had smashed driver or passenger windows.
• All vehicles had purses or wallets removed.
• Witnesses in two incidents described a white SUV possibly a Ford Explorer.
• In one incident the victim’s vehicle had damage as well as a white paint transfer, possibly from the Explorer listed above.

These type vehicle burglaries, commonly referred to as “smash and grabs”, are historically uncommon on Marco Island. However, this an opportune time to impart crime prevention tips which may prevent similar incidents on the Island.

Simply rolling up your windows and locking your vehicle does not deter smash and grab thieves. Where you park your vehicle is a large factor in your susceptibility to these type crimes. Thieves do not want attention or witnesses, so avoid parking your car in isolated locations. Instead park in busy parking lots and designated spaces, close to frequent pedestrian and vehicular traffic. If you are parking overnight, park in a well-lit area or near a lamppost. If you have a vehicle security system, use it! Noise attracts attention and dissuades thieves.