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VEHICLE BURGLARIES CONTINUE TO BE A PROBLEM IN LA MESA

Vehicle burglaries continue to trouble law enforcement and citizens alike in the City of La Mesa.   Vehicle burglaries spiked to 91 reports in September.  This represents a 57% increase over our normal activity and a 34% rise from the August reports.  There have been approximately 44 vehicle burglaries during the first half of October.       

The La Mesa Police Department would like to remind the community of a link on the City’s website for a video on vehicle security:   

http://www.cityoflamesa.com/index.asp?NID=831 

Many of the listed cases involved electronic items being left visible inside the vehicle.  IPODS, GPS devices, cameras, laptops, cell phones and cash have all been reported stolen out of vehicles. In many of these cases, the suspect was able to defeat the door locks or break windows to gain access to these items.   

The La Mesa Police Department cautions citizens that although locking your vehicle is the first line of defense in protecting your belongings, do not assume that simply locking your car doors is enough to deter a thief.   Criminals look into cars and break into the ones where valuables are visible.  These crimes can occur in seconds so citizens are advised to take their property with them and lock up even if they are only gone for a short period of time.   

If you see anything suspicious in La Mesa, you are encouraged to immediately call the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400.

You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com) to report ongoing criminal activity.  You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.