Fountain, Colorado by FOUNTAIN POLICE DEPARTMENT

Between 2012 and 2013 there was a 34% decrease in Motor Vehicle theft in the Fountain Valley. According to the FBI, there was an increase nationally of 5.7%. There was a 19% decrease in vehicle break-ins as well. Citizens of Fountain deserve all the credit for the decrease in crime.

In the year 2012, there were 76 reports of motor Vehicle Theft in Fountain and 186 reports of someone entering a vehicle illegally. In 2013, there were only 50 and 149 reports respectively.

On national average, 80% of the cars stolen or entered were left unlocked. Over 50% of the vehicles stolen had the keys in the ignition (as reported by the owners) according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. We are taking it upon ourselves to lock our doors and stop criminals.

In the United States, a car is stolen every 26 seconds according to NICB. Auto Insurance rates continue to increase an average of 20% every four to five years.

COLORADO REVISED STATUTE 42-2-1206 – Unattended Motor Vehicle. No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, and effectively setting the brake thereon…
WE NEED YOU TO KEEP HELPING US!

Here are some helpful hints that will make your vehicle less of a target and keep lowering some of these staggering statistics. While no strategy is 100% effective, every little bit helps. The Fountain Police Department suggests the following 4 keys to success:
• COMMON SENSE: Remove the keys, lock your doors and park in a well-lit area. Bored teenagers, drug addicts, homeless people and desperate citizens are testing doors and looking in cars for valuables or the car itself. It happens all the time and usually goes unreported.
• WARNI NG DEVICES: Audible alarms, steering column collars, wheel locks, theft deterrent decals, and motion sensor lights all help prevent these crimes.
• IMMOBILIZING DEVICES: Smart keys, kill switches, starter ignition and fuel system disablers leave the thief with no choice but to abandon the car.
• TRACKING DEVICES: Know if your vehicle is equipped with On-Star or Lo-Jack and report it to Law Enforcement. The Fountain Police Department does have limited tracking capabilities.

Also, if your vehicle is stolen, report it immediately to (719) 382-8555 or 911 in an emergency. Report any suspicious activity and persons in your neighborhood. Use your garage and keep it closed and locked. Do not store valuables in your vehicle. Maintain a second set of vehicle records in your home and don’t leave vehicle titles in the car.

Officer C. Kull