Managing editor
Car thieves have struck Marion twice in the past several weeks and Marion residents are more or less inviting them.
The past two thefts occurred when motorists left their keys in their vehicles.
Assistant Police Chief Michael Ottensmeier offers this scenario.
It is Sunday morning. You wake up, eat breakfast, and head out the door to retrieve your Sunday paper. The routine seems the same every Sunday, except for this day. As you go to the yard, you notice there is something missing in the driveway. Your vehicle is missing.
This scenario happens in all parts of the world but not in Marion. It just couldn’t, because we are a small community and nobody would be bold enough to steal my vehicle.
According to Ottensmeier, almost all of the vehicles have been taken late in the week and during nighttime hours.
Here are some simple reminders:
- Remove keys from vehicles. Do not leave keys in the ignition or in the ashtray.
- Lock the vehicles. “I know it gets old,” Ottensmeier said, “but just locking the vehicle makes all the difference.”
- Make a copy of the registration and insurance card, and put them away so if the vehicle is stolen, there is a way to retrieve the information.
- Know the vehicle. Any distinguishing marks, special wheels or tire, anything that could help a law enforcement officer in locating the vehicle.
Ottensmeier also advise resident to have this information available for an officer.
“Some people don’t know their license tag number,” he said, which is the first thing a police officer will ask.
Ottensmeier also suggested car owners notify their lien holders should their vehicles be stolen.