Vanderbilt Police offer tips on keeping belongings secure in vehicles

In recent weeks, Vanderbilt University Police Department has responded to several vehicle break-ins that have occurred in both Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center parking garages.

“Within minutes, multiple vehicles can be broken into either by being left unlocked or having their windows broken out,” said Charles DeFrance, director of Safety and Security for VUMC. “Thieves are looking for vehicles that are unlocked but if they see something valuable inside the vehicle such as, a cellphone, laptop, purse, suitcase, cash, keys, or even a firearm, then they will break out the window.”

As this happens quickly, they often go unnoticed until the owner of the vehicle returns and sees the aftermath.

In response to these vehicle break-ins, the Vanderbilt University Police Department is increasing patrols to deter this type of criminal activity as well as attempt to catch the thieves in the act. In addition to these increased patrols, VUPD is continuing to educate on a safety campaign  with the theme “Park Smart! Lock Your Vehicle, Secure Your Valuables, and Take Keys With You.”

“If you lock your vehicle, remove items from view and/or secure items in a locked glove box, console, or trunk, and take your keys with you, then the chance of being victimized is extremely low,” DeFrance said. “As we all have a shared interest in public safety, we also share a responsibility for our own awareness and actions to take precautions and to report suspicious activity.”

Police officials also noted that thieves are often looking for firearms and seem to target vehicles with stickers or other indications that the owner is a hunter or may be a gun owner.

In the event you see someone trying to open multiple vehicle doors or breaking out a window, please call the Vanderbilt University Police Department Emergency Line at 615-421-1911. Other non-emergency matters or to report suspicious behavior, please call 615-322-2745. Trained dispatchers will be on the other end to ask additional questions and to provide assistance.

For information about Vanderbilt University Police Department and additional services, please visit police.vanderbilt.edu.