|
What to Expect When you Car Has Been Stolen
And Tips to Help Prevent It
When Your Car Has Been Stolen:
- Time is of the essence in reporting that your vehicle was stolen.
Many cars that are stolen end up in "chop shops" for parts within
one half hour of when they are stolen.
- After a report is taken, the vehicle information will be entered in the
Colorado and National Crime Computer. This information is available to
any law enforcement officer in the United States and Canada.
Therefore, any officer coming in contact with this vehicle, for whatever
reason, will learn that it is stolen. This information stays in the
computer for five years.
- A detective will receive the report and will make sure the computer entry
has been made and that it is accurate.
- The description of the stolen vehicle will be distributed among Broomfield
Police officers and disseminated to other agencies in the Denver Metro area.
- A detective will contact you on any progress made in finding your car.
- If your vehicle is found in the Denver Metro area, an immediate attempt
will be made to notify you to arrange for you to pick up your car (assuming
it is driveable). Your car will also be processed for any evidence.
- If your vehicle is found outside of the Denver Metro area, and earlier
attempts to contact you were unsuccessful, you were not available, or the
vehicle was not driveable, the vehicle will be towed to a secure
facility. You will be notified to reclaim your vehicle. There
will, unfortunately, be a tow charge that you will be responsible for.
This charge varies with each jurisdiction and depends on how long the
vehicle was impounded at the facility. Depending on your type of
coverage, your insurance may cover this cost.
- Unless the police are previously notified of an insurance settlement, you
will be the person the police will call in the event your vehicle is
recovered. If your insurance company has paid you for the loss of this
vehicle, it is your responsibility to notify them of its recovery.
Theft Prevention Tips:
- Never leave keys in your vehicle, even when parked in your garage
or driveway.
- Do not leave your car running or unattended for any reason or any
length of time, especially in a parking lot of shopping center. In
cold weather, it is not necessary to let your car run for a long time to
warm up. Car thieves watch for these opportunities (car thieves call
running cars "puffers".).
- Do not hide an extra key anywhere on the vehicle.
- Immobilize your vehicle:
Buy a device that locks the steering wheel (there are several on the market
that attach to the wheel, to the brake pedal, or to the console). *
For GM products, Jeep Cherokees, and Toyota trucks, buy a sleeve (this
device goes around the steering column, preventing column smashing, which is
the most popular method for stealing GM products). *
When you go on vacation, remove the battery or disconnect the distributor
wire.
- Have your Vehicle Identification Number etched on all windows (this can be
done by most local windshield glass stores).
- Put an alarm system on your car and always activate it.
- When selling your car:
Never let the "buyer" take the car anywhere without you
present, even if they offer to leave their driver's license or their vehicle
(which may be stolen).
Do not accept a personal check, especially an on out-of-state
account, unless you can verify that the funds are available.
Do not relinquish the car or the title without getting payment in
full.
Take your license plates off the vehicle before allowing the buyer to take
possession.
Keep a copy of your vehicle registration and Proof of Insurance in your
wallet or purse. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles issues you
two for that purpose, as does your insurance company. In the
unfortunate instance that your car is stolen, the documents above will
ensure that your vehicle's information gets into the computer quickly.
*These items can be purchased at most car part stores; however, if you cannot
find them, your insurance company can advise you where to get them.
Please feel free to contact the Broomfield Police Department if you have any
additional questions.
EMERGENCY 9-1-1
NON-EMERGENCY (Voice/TDD) 303-438-6400
Detectives 303-438-6410
Patrol 303-438-6457
Victim Services 303-438-6429
|