West Chester Police Department has recently seen an increase in car thefts, attempted car thefts, and thefts of valuables from inside vehicles. Read more to learn how to protect yourself and your property. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 850,000 vehicles were stolen in the U.S. in 2024, with a vehicle being taken every 37 seconds nationwide. 

Don't let your vehicle be a statistic! We urge residents to take action now to prevent car thefts and thefts from vehicles.

Follow these simple tips to keep yourself and your property safe:

• Take your car keys/fob with you. Never leave keys inside your car. 
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. 
• Park in well-lit areas when possible. 
• Never leave valuables in your car, especially if they can be seen from outside. 
• Consider adding steering wheel or brake pedal locks, alarm decals, or tracking devices. 

These simple tips can significantly reduce the chance that your car becomes a target.

Remember, never approach someone you suspect of attempting to steal your car or valuables. The suspect could be armed or dangerous.

If you witness anything suspicious, please call police dispatch at (513) 777-2231. If it is an emergency, call 911. 

Find more information or to submit a crime tip, visit www.westchesteroh.org/police.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe!