The top five items Denver thieves want to steal from your car

According to the Denver Police Department, theft from motor vehicles is up 32 percent this year. With that in mind, DPD reps suggest a number of seemingly obvious steps locals can use to avoid becoming a snatch-and-grab victim: lock the car, don't leave the keys in it, park it in...

By Michael Roberts

August 18, 2009

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According to the Denver Police Department, theft from motor vehicles is up 32 percent this year. With that in mind, DPD reps suggest a number of seemingly obvious steps locals can use to avoid becoming a snatch-and-grab victim: lock the car, don't leave the keys in it, park it in well-lit areas at night and don't leave cool stuff passersby might like in view. The top five are:

1. IPOD/MP3 player
2. GPS -- Global Positioning Unit

3. Money

4. Tools

5. Stereo Face Plate

Yes, you read right: Not the stereo, but the face plate -- apparently so scofflaws can pretend that their own music source isn't eight-track compatible....

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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