If I were a thief, you would now be a victim

The Lincoln Police Department wants to assist you in protecting your vehicles from a thief. So take a minute to look at your vehicle through the eyes of a thief. Is your vehicle an easy target? Next to the purchase of a home, our vehicle is one of our most expensive and personal possessions. No one wants to experience that feeling of seeing that your vehicle has been vandalized and items stolen from it or that the vehicle itself as been stolen. Auto theft and vandalism is covered under the comprehensive section of an auto-insurance policy.Therefore, our premium rates for comprehensive insurance are affected by the risk of loss, meaning the likelihood that an insured car will be stolen or damaged. In an effort to enhance community awareness and help keep residents from being a victim, the Lincoln police department has started an "If I Were A Thief" program. As part of the program, volunteers and officers will walk through parking lots looking for vehicles that would be "prime targets" for thieves. A prime target would be a vehicle that the owner has left valuable possessions out in the open.Once identified as a "prime target," the officer or volunteer will leave a flier indicating why the vehicle is a prime target and instructing the owner in how to properly store items and why it is important.As the holiday season approaches and the economy continues to take a downward spiral, it will be increasingly more important for residents to protect their possessions.The Lincoln Police Department believes this crime-prevention program will help residents in this endeavor. The Lincoln Police Department would like you to take a few minutes to assess if you have made it as difficult as possible for a theft to occur or if your vehicle is just waiting to make you a victim.We would also like to give you a few tips on how to keep your vehicle from becoming a prime target for thieves.Hide your garage door openerDo not leave your garage-door opener visible. A thief who can get your garage-door opener and any piece of identity as to your residence will not only damage or steal your vehicle but also quite possibly make your home their next target!Keep the car locked up tight Always be sure to close your windows and lock the doors, even if you are making a quick run back into the house for something you forgot. And never leave the keys in the ignition or the car running unless you are in the vehicle. This is a crime of opportunity and it only takes a moment for the thief to be gone with your possessions.Don't leave items laying aroundDo not leave items like your purse, wallet, cell phone, briefcase, cash/ change, credit cards CD's or mail visible on the seats. These items are most inviting to the thief as they not only obtain the items but also your identity. This would also make your vehicle the most beneficial target in the parking lot. You may consider that an old gym bag with dirty socks has no value and therefore leave it visible but a thief does not know what's in the bag. The thief might break into your vehicle to steal a $5 item but the cost of repairs to your vehicle can run into the thousands. The Lincoln Police Department does not want you to be a "victim!"Brian Vizzusi is the Lincoln police chief