Local law enforcement agencies have planned another free steering wheel lock distribution event to assist in the current trend of declining auto theft rates in the county. The event will begin on August 27, 2009.
Local law enforcement agencies have planned another free steering wheel lock distribution event to assist in the current trend of declining auto theft rates in the county. The event will begin on August 27, 2009.
Stanislaus County, commonly referred to as the Modesto Metropolitan Area, was recently given the dubious distinction as being the “auto theft capitol” of the United States. Though recent years, the area has seen significant reductions in auto thefts as a result of vigorous enforcement and prosecution.
Turlock Police’s Year End Report for 2008 shows that 47 offenses (8 percent) of motor vehicle thefts were cleared by arrest or exceptional means, making the total offenses at about 588.
Turlock Police reported on February 10, 2009 that they were also encouraged to see the City of Turlock auto theft rate has dropped in 2008 by 11 percent, as the central valley of California is known for its high rate of auto theft.
Local law enforcement agencies have planned another steering lock giveaway to further reduce auto theft rates in Stanislaus County cities and unincorporated areas.
The first of the steering wheel lock giveaways took place in 2008 and was very well received by the public with numerous requests to provide the same service this year. The steering wheel lock has proven to be a highly visible and effective way to deter thieves from these crimes of opportunity.
StanCATT (Stanislaus County Auto Theft Taskforce), in close coordination with local law enforcement agencies, will distribute 1,000 steering wheel locks on beginning on Thursday, August 27th at several distribution points in the county.
Recipients of the free locks will be asked to provide a valid registration card as proof that they live in Stanislaus County (cites and unincorporated areas) and that they own one of the county’s eight most frequently stolen vehicles with an emphasis on 2003 or older models (listed below):
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Toyota Camry
Nissan Sentra
Acura Integra
Chevrolet/GMC pickups / SUV’s
Toyota pickups
Ford Mustang
The beginning of the steering lock giveaway event is scheduled for Thursday, August 27th. The free locks will be handed out at the Turlock Police Department (900 N. Palm Street) and California State University Stanislaus (801 W. Monte Vista Avenue).
Residents outside of the Turlock area can pick up their free lock at one of the 13 other locations (refer to the attached poster). The time and manner of distribution at these alternate locations may differ slightly.
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