Beep beep! The Castle Rock Police Department is calling on the community to help prevent crimes of opportunity. On June 8, it launched the “Lock It Up” public safety campaign.
“The goal is simple,” Castle Rock Police Chief Jack Cauley said. “Just as it’s a habit to buckle your seat belt when you get in the car, we want our residents to get in the routine of locking up their vehicles and removing all valuables every time they park.”
In 2022, more than 200 cars were broken into in Castle Rock. Of those, more than half were left unlocked or with items in an open truck bed or available toolbox. Additionally, the top two locations where vehicle break-ins occurred were in neighborhoods and apartment communities.
“We are proud Castle Rock continues to be named one of the safest towns in Colorado,” said Town Manager David L. Corliss. “We also know that because we’re considered a safe community, residents can feel comfortable leaving their garage doors open and vehicles unlocked while home or running errands. Unfortunately, the criminals have figured that out, too.”
Filmed at locations throughout Town, a new series of videos depict a thief named Robin Steal who breaks into cars and steals wallets, purses, sporting equipment and other valuables. Castle Rock Police Department officers are also featured, offering reminders and tips for securing valuables.
The videos will be published to the Town and CRPD social media channels over the coming months. They will also be featured in Town lobbies, including those at the Police Department, Recreation Center and Miller Activity Complex.
“Anytime someone has something taken from them, it can feel very violating,” Chief Cauley said. “It can also largely disrupt your life and become a huge inconvenience. That’s one of the reasons why we’re trying to get this message across.”
“We hope that by routinely seeing these videos, it will cause residents to think, ‘Did I lock my vehicle? Did I leave something valuable or visible in my car?’ and change their habits,” Corliss added. “It’s going to take all of us doing our part to stop providing criminals easy opportunities.”
The Castle Rock Police Department offers these reminders for securing your vehicle and valuables:
- Remove valuables, lock your vehicle and take the keys with you when you leave.
- Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
- Close your garage door when it’s not in use. This includes when you are home.
- Before you leave for a trail/park, pack only the necessary items. Leave items of value at home.
- If you plan on keeping any valuables in your vehicle, place them in a covered trunk before you leave your house. Do not wait until you’re in a parking lot to “hide” items.
- If your vehicle was broken into, contact CRPD to make a report. Then call your credit card companies and bank to cancel or freeze all cards and accounts.
- Have outdoor security cameras at your home? Register them with the Castle Rock Police Department’s Rock Watch program. Learn more by visiting CRgov.com/RockWatch.
- If your vehicle was broken into but nothing was taken, still notify CRPD by contacting 303-663-6100.
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