Police warn about cars

Car smashed, but only a few coins taken

It probably happened in a matter of seconds: Unknown persons smashed the side window of a parked car in Altheim, reached into the car and stole a wallet lying on the passenger seat. Loot: a few coins. But the police warn that car break-ins are often child's play for criminals.

There are no witnesses, but it must have happened in the night from Sunday to Monday: As yet unknown perpetrators smashed the window of a parked car in Altheim. The object that had aroused the criminals' desire was visible on the passenger seat. According to the police, there were only a few coins in the wallet, so the haul was extremely small.

Nevertheless, the Upper Austrian state police warn: "Breaking into a car is usually not a big task for the perpetrator." However, simple tips can protect against unwelcome "guests" in your own car.

Tips for protecting your car
The Ministry of the Interior's crime prevention department recommends, for example, parking your vehicle in guarded or at least frequented areas. A no-go, on the other hand, is to leave objects visibly in the car, because: "A car is not a safe!"

Valuable items such as ID cards or cell phones should always be taken out of the car. And to make it at least a little more difficult for thieves: The vehicle should be locked when you leave it. "Check the locks regularly to make sure they are working properly," recommends crime prevention.