Carlsbad CA— Today, July 20, 2015, the City of Carlsbad Police Department will be embarking on a new vehicle security awareness and crime prevention program called “Operation Report Card.”
Every summer, the number of community members reporting property stolen from unattended vehicles increases, especially at recreational areas.  In addition to the Police Department’s enhanced enforcement efforts in these areas, the best way to stop these thefts is to remove all property from unattended vehicles and by doing so community members will be removing the “opportunity” for crime.
To reduce crime and ensure safety, police officers will be checking vehicle security in recreation areas.  As part of the Operation Report Card program, officers will be placing yellow notices on all cars communicating the officer’s finding.  The notices report back to the vehicle user the security status of their vehicle by having one of two boxed checked.

• Congratulations! Thank you for removing all opportunities for crime! or
• Caution, the unattended property inside your vehicle has created an opportunity for crime.

The notice will also provide vehicle owners with vehicle crime prevention tips.
“The goal of the program is to create a police/community collaboration that ultimately reduces the occurrences of vehicle crime,” said Police Chief Gary Morrison.  “Effective policing takes teamwork and together we can reduce crime and ensure a safe and secure summer for everyone.”
Program coordinator Corporal Adam Young reports, “This is not a new program but the program is new to Carlsbad. Other cities throughout the country have implemented similar report card type programs.
Prevention tips reflected on the notice:

• When possible, park your vehicle where you can see it.
• Remove ALL property from unattended vehicles (remove the opportunity for crime). Plan ahead, if you cannot take property with you, leave it at home.
• Always lock your vehicle and take the keys.
• Don’t leave a hidden key on or in your vehicle.
• At home, park your vehicle in the garage; remove all personal property and lock your vehicle.
• If you cannot park in a garage, park as close to your house as possible and under a light. Remove all property and lock your vehicle.
• Be the eyes and ears of your area by calling the Police Department for suspicious activity or to report a crime 24/7 at 760-931-2197.
• Call 9-1-1 in an emergency or for a crime in progress.