Theft on the rise in South Lake Tahoe; SLTPD offers advice on protecting belongings

Readers of South Tahoe Now are already aware of this with our weekly coverage of police and sheriff calls for the South Shore, there is a rise in property theft.

According to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), the rise is a result of thieves being able to act quickly when they see unattended and unsecured property in vehicles, homes and public places. Since July 1, 2016, there have been 54 reported thefts in just the city limits, or 3.375 thefts per day. Of the 54 thefts reported, 61% (33) are a result of unsecured and/or unattended property.

Of those theft, 17 thefts were in public places, six were incidents of property stolen from business storefronts and ten were in unlocked vehicles, and six of those were in the last two days.

Sergeant Travis Cabral of the SLTPD is asking for the public's help in preventing these types of crimes.

Below is a short list from Cabral of proactive measures our community members can implement to assist in theft prevention. By implementing these proactive measures, citizens will greatly reduce their chances of being victimized. Most theft crimes are crimes of opportunity.

"Don’t allow yourself to be an easy target for theft," said Sgt. Cabral.

PREVENTING THEFTS FROM VEHICLES:
• Install a vehicle alarm or mechanical lock for the steering wheel or ignition.
• Lock the doors and leave the windows rolled up.
• Activate any alarms or anti-theft devices.
• Keep valuables out of sight and/or remove them from the vehicle. Expensive items in full view invite theft even if the vehicle is locked.
• Do not leave money, checkbooks, or credit cards in the vehicle at any time.

PREVENTING BICYCLE THEFT:
• Keep bicycles locked any time they are unattended with a good "U" type lock that cannot be cut. Another choice would be a good casehardened padlock and thick cable. Be sure the "U" lock or cable goes through the front wheel, rear wheel and the frame, and secure it to a fixed object.
• Check the lock by pulling on it to make sure it is secure.
• Purchase Anti-Theft Dots and apply them to the major components on your bike. Register your serial number with Anti-Theft Dots and add photos of your bike.
• Be sure to retain all evidence of purchase, including the serial number and have them available if your bike is stolen.
• Try to avoid parking a bicycle in a deserted or poorly lit area.

ANTI-THEFT DOTS
Not only can the anti-theft dots be used on bikes, but they can be applied on any items of value like phones, laptops and computers. Kits are sold on the company's website (http://antitheftdots.com/), or they can currently be purchased at South Shore Bike on Emerald Bay Road in South Lake Tahoe.

Along with the dots, which are easy to apply, the company sells stickers that says the item is protected. A company spokesperson said this label helps deter the criminal, and even if it is removed the dots remain, unseen to the naked eye.

The four-year old company is seeing an increase in business with thefts on the rise across the state. Evidence rooms are overflowing with found items but it is hard to find the rightful owner. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department can read the dots, check in the national register and return the items.