Police warn of crime as temperatures cool

LAS VEGAS - The temperature is cooling down, but crime is heating up. Police say criminals are targeting easily accessible homes and cars.

Metro Police says auto theft is up nearly 19 percent this year. While home break-ins are slightly down, police urge homeowners not to get complacent.

Police say criminals mostly target open doors and windows. Many homeowners leave garage doors open, providing a tempting target for thieves. Open car windows also present an open invitation.

Take all your items out of your vehicle. If anyone is looking at vehicles and they're looking to commit an auto theft or an auto burglary, they will look in that vehicle, said Metro Police Officer Larry Hadfield. If they see high-valued or high-tag items in there, such as an iPod, tablets, laptops or cell phones, they can get in that vehicle. If given the opportunity to get in the vehicle, then they also have the opportunity to steal the vehicle."

They're looking at the house that's easiest to get into, that they, that they're not going to get caught, Hadfield said. They're not motivated by violence. They're in there to get things of value, so they can pawn them or hawk them off to gain profit."

According to Scout.com, the most common areas for crime are in the central part of the valley. Scout.com says there is a one in 31 chance of becoming a property crime victim. Las Vegas also has one of the highest rates in the country for vehicle theft.

Technology can help. In addition to monitoring high-crime neighborhoods on websites like Scout.com, people can download smart phone apps like Next Door, which creates a neighborhood watch online.

Surveillance cameras have also become affordable and easy to install. While criminals who are caught on camera may still get away with stolen property, the cameras help police identify and catch them.

If you forget to close your garage door, a smart phone app can help. Several apps enable users to open and close their garage doors when they aren't home. There are also apps that enable people to shut and lock their doors.

Bear in mind, criminals have access to technology too. Some criminals can use universal remotes to open locked doors.

Original post:
Police warn of crime as temperatures cool