The Portage Department of Public Safety – Police Division is asking for the public’s assistance as motor vehicle thefts throughout the city increase. Since the beginning of 2021, the majority of vehicles reported stolen in Portage have been unlocked with keys left in the vehicle. In addition, many of the vehicles taken were running and left briefly unattended – a car warming up in a driveway or left running while the owner goes into a business momentarily. Limiting the opportunity is always the first step in theft prevention. The Portage Department of Public Safety recommends these helpful self-reminders:
- DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR RUNNING UNATTENDED. In some cases if a vehicle is left running and has a keyless push-button start, it can be driven away and operated without the fob until the vehicle is turned off.
- DO NOT LEAVE YOUR KEYS OR FOB INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE.
- ALWAYS LOCK YOUR VEHICLE, regardless if parked in a lot or a driveway.
- DON’T LET A POTENTIAL CAR SALE BE A CAR THEFT. Be cautious of “Test Drive” requests; either do not allow them, or ensure you are in control of the test drive. Always ask for positive identification.
Anyone with information about the recent increase in motor vehicle thefts is asked to contact the Portage Department of Public Safety at 329-4567 or Silent Observer at 343-2100, www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
