During the last few weeks, the Newport Police Department has received several reports of thefts from unlocked vehicles," Lt. Det. Patrick Weatherford said recently, "Most of these have occurred in residential neighborhoods and often in the victim's driveway."
Car break-ins are on the rise in Newport and many of these are crimes of opportunity that can be prevented, according to Weatherford.
"There are a number of things drivers can do to deter break-ins," he explained.
By taking the following easy steps you can make sure that your car is not the next target.
- Lock your car doors.  This is as simple as it sounds, but it is surprising how much is stolen from cars with unlocked doors.  Of course, locked doors do not do much good if you leave the windows open, so roll up the windows also.
- Remove GPS systems from the dashboard.  Vehicle prowlers will break in to steal GPS systems and then sell them at pawn shops or online.  Also remove laptops, IPods, IPod accessories, CD's, cell phones or other electronic devices and take them with you or place them out of sight.  Suspects will walk by cars looking the windows for valuables.  If they do not see anything, they will move on.  If you do have valuables in your car, they will try to open the door or break a window to gain access.
- Do not leave anything of value in the car.  The purse or golf clubs that are visible through the window make an inviting target.  If you have to leave items in the car, put them out of sight in the trunk.  The duffle bags with books inside might not be of significant value to you, but a thief who does not know what is inside might target your car hoping to find checkbooks, credit cards, electronics or other items.  Always take these personal items into your home when you park for the evening.
- Use safety features if you have them.  Examples of these features include activating your car alarm, removing stereo faceplates and putting steering wheel locking devices in place. 
- Park in a well-lit area that is visible to others.  Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility.
- Lock your car and turn it off even if you step away from it for only a moment.  Thefts have occurred while the victim went inside a convenience store and vehicles have been stolen while idling outside of a business or residence.
- If you are shopping, store your packages in the trunk of the car and not in the backseat where they are easily seen.
- If you drive a pickup truck, do not leave valuables in the bed of the truck unattended, even for a few minutes.
- If you are a victim, or observe suspicious activity, notify the Newport Police Department at 870-523-2722 and make a report.