COMMUNITY: Increase in Car Break-ins - Security While Out Shopping

If you happen to be out running errands and are parking in a lot, please be aware that there has been an increase in thefts taking place in public parking lots.  You may notice someone hanging around an area of the lot that appears to be just walking around, leaning on the bars by a shopping cart rack, or stooping down between cars.  They may not be holding shopping bags or car keys and appear to be waiting for someone.  It may just be an innocent coincidence.  However, if they appear to be moving around and your gut tells you their behavior seems suspicious, then play it safe--get in your car and do not leave it to interact.

There has been an increase in incidents where opportunists are looking for unlocked vehicles and visible items in car windows that may have value.  If you observe a situation, many stores have camera systems.  Their security people may not be onsite or may busy in the store at that moment.  It is recommended that you call the Main Store Number for the parking lot you are in.  Ask for the Customer Service Desk or a Store Manager.  Explain to them that you just observed some suspicious behavior in the parking lot and want to report it.  They will want to know the following:

• The approximate time you observed the situation.
• Where you were parked in the lot (some stores have letters or numbers posted to identify the rows).
• A description of the person you observed and what they were wearing (as best you can remember).
• What you observed them doing that seemed suspicious.  
• They may also ask for the description of your car to compare to security tapes so they can observe what activity was going on around your car when you saw the situation.  

Safety first--lock your car when you leave it and when you get back into it.  If you see someone hanging out by your car that seems suspicious--walk back into the store and ask to speak to someone about it. Be proactive and avoid leaving valuables or mail visible through your vehicle windows. After observing suspicious activity, stay in your car and don't try to confront anyone.  If you feel safer, pull out and drive home before you call the store, but note the information they will need when you call.

Here are a few main numbers for chain stores on the west side that many of us frequent:

• Meijers (West Main St) 269-372-9100
• Target (Kalamazoo West) 269-349-6148
• Hardings (West Century Center) 269-381-0244
• Lowes (West Side) 269-345-2110
• Menards (Oshtemo) 269-544-1461