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There has been a rash of smash-and-grab car break-ins in and around Harnett County over the last several months.  Several park visitor vehicles parked in the parking lots at Raven Rock State Park have been hit.  Thieves are smashing windows of locked cars and taking valuables stowed in the passenger area.  Park staff is urging you to take precautions to prevent becoming a victim while visiting our naturally wonderful park.  Below are some tips to help you prepare for your visit.

Car Break-in Prevention Tips
 

• Don’t make it easy

Keep windows and sunroofs closed and doors locked. Thefts that occur from vehicles are oftentimes from cars that have been left unlocked.
 

• Take your identification and other valuables with you

Many smash-and-grab thieves act on impulse, so keep your personal identification and valuable items with you.  Remember: Simply hiding personal items like wallets or purses in the passenger area of the vehicle will not protect them from being taken in a smash-and-grab break-in.  Thieves may be in the parking lot watching you stow your items. They may also be watching for what you don’t take with you.  Thieves know most people have wallets and purses while driving, so if they see you leave your vehicle without it you may be creating a target. 
 

• Stow your stuff before arrival

If you can’t carry an item with you, it is best to hide it before you arrive.  Place any valuables you can’t carry with you in a locked trunk out of sight.
 

• Stash the evidence too!

After you’ve put your valuables in the trunk, don’t forget such telltale evidence as power plugs, MP3 adapters, and navigation system windshield suction-cup mounts. Thieves know what they’re looking for, so hide the electronic accessories, too.
 

• Don’t hand a thief your keys

Take your keys with you. Don’t assume you have a great hiding place for a spare key: Thieves know where to look!
 

• Garage Door Opener

Don’t leave your garage door opener visible.
 

• Don’t depend on a vehicle’s alarm system

Anti-theft vehicle alarms are great, but they do not necessarily prevent break-ins.  In fact, many vehicle alarm systems will not be triggered by vehicle tampering, including shattering a window to access the vehicle. 
 

• Trust your instincts

If you see suspicious activity, find another spot to park and report your suspicions to Park Staff.  You may help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.
 
Park Contacts:     Visitor Center – (910) 893-4888 (dial 0 at the greeting)
Park Ranger (emergency cell #) – (910) 890-1932
 

 Posted on: Wednesday, February 15, 2017 - 1:45pm