Arizona Sheriff Asks: Do You Know How to Stop Vehicle Theft in its Tracks?

• Soft Targets versus Hard Targets
• What a thief looks for when stealing a vehicle
• How you can make your vehicle harder to steal

Border Issues Have Increased Vehicle Theft in Arizona

If you've been following the news, you've heard about the swell of migrants at the southern border. Cochise County is at the forefront of the daily news, with reports of high-speed chases and vehicle thefts making headlines.

The surge of high-speed pursuits and stolen vehicles in Cochise County has become a pressing concern. The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, led by Mark J. Dannels, is at the forefront of the battle.

READ: High-Speed Chase Injures Cochise County Sheriff's Deputy

Every day, the CCSO and other Arizona law enforcement agencies combat the dangerous trend leading to an increase in theft across the county and putting the community in danger.

Don't Be a Victim: Why Criminals Look for Soft Targets

Do you know how to stop vehicle theft in its tracks? The Cochise County Sherrif has some solid advice and the best way to avoid becoming a victim of this crime.

Criminals look for the easiest way to commit their crimes. They don't want to get caught, so they have to make fast decisions when committing a crime of opportunity.

Watch: Arizona Officers Save a Migrant from a Burning Trunk

An unlocked car, an easy-to-break-into truck, a vehicle sitting in a dark area—these are all things crooks look for when trying to make a quick getaway. The target that takes the least time to break into and steal is a prime factor the bad guys use to continue their criminal acts.

Law enforcement calls these soft targets.  The term “soft targets” refers to vehicles that are easily accessible or left unattended, making them vulnerable to theft.

The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office suggests “hardening the target.” In other words, make your vehicle difficult to steal with simple steps like liking doors and installing anti-theft devices. This will help convince a thief to move on to an easier target.

CCSO: Keeping Cochise County Safe

The CCSO Facebook page is full of examples illustrating the gravity of the situation. High-speed chases have led to harrowing encounters. Suspects throughout the county lead law enforcement on reckless, high-speed changes as they try to outrun law enforcement.

These pursuits can end up in neighborhoods, areas with pedestrians, and places where these events could hurt citizens.

READ: The Cochise County Sheriff is Hiring Deputies

The community’s role in this battle is crucial. If we work together to “harden the target,” we'll all make it more difficult for the bad guys to snag our vehicles and commit crimes. It’s a collective effort to ensure the safety and security of Cochise County’s streets.

Read more about the CCSO and their efforts to stop high-speed chases in Cochise County.

[ Facebook: Cochise County Sheriff's Office | Hoodline | KGUN 9 ]