Car Prowl Prevention

CarProwlPhoto1Car prowl, also known as theft from a vehicle or vehicle prowl, is the unlawful taking of items or contents from a car. Car prowls are crimes of opportunity in that thieves make a split-second decision to break into a vehicle because they believe there is something valuable in the car.

Car prowl facts

  • Vehicle prowls are one of the most common crimes that occur in the City of Monroe.
  • Car prowls can occur quickly and anywhere and at any time of the day or night.
  • Most vehicle prowls occur because the car was left unlocked and valuable items are left in plain view (e.g. cell phone or money in console, laptop, purse or gym bag on seat.)
  • Vehicles are typically entered through an unlocked door or by breaking a window.
  • Large parking locations are prime targets for a prowler since multiple vehicles can be hit in a short time span.
  • Locking items in the trunk, or in a location the public cannot see, dramatically reduces the chance of becoming a victim

Secure and park your vehicle

  • Remove all valuables from your vehicle (e.g. money, credit cards, jewelry, garage door opener, wallets, purses, keys, computer and phone devices, mail, car registration/title, shopping bags) whether your car is parked at home or elsewhere. 
  • Roll up the windows, close the sunroof, and lock all doors.
  • Secure the trunk, hatches, bed-mounted toolboxes, and canopies.
  • Activate your car alarm.
  • Park in a garage or secure location whenever possible.
  • Park in well-lit areas where your car can be seen.
  • Park near locations frequently used by pedestrians. Avoid isolated areas.

How to report a car prowl 

  • If you hear something suspicious, such as shattering glass, see someone looking into vehicles, or are witnessing a car prowl in progress, call 9-1-1. (Do not confront the prowler.) In addition to reporting the location, date and time of the incident, if possible, please provide the following information about the prowler(s) to the dispatcher:
    • Gender
    • Estimated height in comparison to yours, a door, or other standard measure
    • Estimated weight 
    • Estimated age
    • Body build (e.g. lean, husky, slim, muscular)
    • Clothing (e.g. coat, hat, shoes, pants, shirt)
    • Direction of travel
    • Unique identifiers (e.g. facial hair, tattoo, jewelry, gait, voice)
    • Vehicle make, model, color and description
  • If you discover that you are a victim of a car prowl, please report it by calling 425-407-3999 (non-emergency) or report it online.