Residents urged to help curb car thefts

HURRICANE, W.Va. -- Hurricane police are calling on residents to help curb car thieves by practicing a few easy security measures.

Taking keys out of the ignition and locking the vehicle are the best deterrents, Hurricane Police Chief Mike Mullins said.

On Sunday, a red 1995 Jeep Wrangler soft top was reported stolen from the 500 block of Diamond Drive in Hurricane. There are no known suspects in the theft at this time, but what is known is that the owner reported leaving her keys in the vehicle.

"We've had several cars stolen in the city because people leave their keys in the console or the ignition," Mullins said. "That's just a really bad idea."

Mullins said vehicle owners always should lock car doors and never leave keys in the car. This also applies to garage door openers, which can give thieves easy access to your home and you.

Mullins asks residents to call the police immediately when they see something suspicious.

"Don't wait like a lot of people do. Call right then so we can send someone out to investigate. That gives us a better chance of catching someone that's doing something they shouldn't be doing."

Free pamphlets about home and business security are available in the lobby of the Hurricane Police Department. Also, if you are interested in starting a neighborhood watch program in your community, call Officer Larry Angel or Mullins at 304-562-9911.