Rutherford County Rise in Break-ins, Sheriff's Safety Tips

Rutherford County -- October 10, 2023; The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office posted the following on social media today:

Rutherford County has seen a rise in vehicle break-ins in recent weeks. Here are some simple precautions that can reduce the likelihood of you becoming a victim of this type of crime:

1) Always lock your doors and take your keys with you. The majority of vehicles that are burglarized or stolen have been left UNLOCKED, sometimes with keys still inside the vehicle. Even if your vehicle is parked in a driveway or garage, LOCK ALL DOORS, close all windows, and set your alarm. Never leave or hide a key anywhere in or on your vehicle, no matter where you park it—and never, ever leave your car running while unattended or unlocked.

2) Never leave anything of value inside parked vehicles. Valuable items can be incredibly tempting to criminals. If you are unable to remove an item from your vehicle, it is safer to place that item in the trunk or another area that is not visible from the exterior of the vehicle. Note: Draping a coat over expensive items or placing them on the floorboard of the vehicle are *NOT* sufficient methods of concealment. When placing items in the trunk, it is recommended that drivers do so prior to reaching their final destination; you never know who could be watching or waiting for the perfect window of opportunity to act… So stay alert and conscious of your surroundings!

3) Never leave a firearm in your vehicle! Criminals can and will use your firearm to commit acts of violence against anyone they encounter including you, your family, friends, neighbors, and our deputies who work selflessly to keep our county safe. Be a responsible gun owner and do not leave it to chance.

4) Install lights/alarms and use them consistently. Criminals do not like light/noise as it can draw attention to their movements and behaviors. Park in well-lit areas and leave an outside light turned on at night. Motion sensor lights and audible alarms work well and can be great crime deterrents for homeowners.
… AND REMEMBER: Report anything you believe to be suspicious to the Sheriff's Office as soon as possible. Be a good neighbor and PROMPTLY report suspicious activities, vehicles, or persons in your area; every minute counts! For safety purposes, do not approach suspicious persons/vehicles yourself; call 911 to request a deputy as soon as possible.
The aftermath of a vehicle break-in can be expensive, both in repair cost and replacement of your valuables, and make you feel vulnerable. Protect yourself by following the practices listed above to minimize your risk.