Car prowls are a crime of opportunity committed by people who want fast cash for drugs or alcohol or to steal your identity. Loose change, CDs, briefcases, purses, gym bags, cameras, cell phones, and banking information are all items frequently stolen by car prowlers, who spot them through your car window.
The quarter left on the console that may seem insignificant to you the car owner, is in fact perceived by some car prowlers to be 25 cents closer to a $1 bottle of wine or beer. And, for that mere 25 cents, the car owner is subject to hundreds of dollars in repair costs to replace a broken window or fix a forced car door.
Besides valuables, checks and personal information are sought after by drug users, who often sell or exchange people’s identity for drugs. Identity thefts may haunt you for months or even years.
Car prowls happen very quickly, are rarely witnessed, and evidence is seldom left behind. For these reasons, car prowls are extremely difficult for police to investigate.
In 2003, community volunteers joined with police in a campaign to educate and raise awareness on how to reduce car prowls. This community policing effort, which includes surveys, flyers and presentations, and now parking meter stickers, has helped reduce car prowls by 50 to 60 percent in participating neighborhoods.
It is our hope that people use this information and apply it year round in your neighborhoods. Please remove all valuables from your vehicle and reduce the chance of being a car prowl victim.
Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer
