The Alternative Press

WEST ORANGE, NJ  -  Although the crime rate in West Orange continues to decline, each winter several vehicles are stolen when residents leave their cars unattended while warming them up.  West Orange township, in conjunction with the WOPD, has issued some important winter safety tips to help car owners stay safe during the cold winter months.

If your vehicle does not have a remote starter, consider looking in to the possibility.  Do NOT start your car and leave it unattended while it warms up.  

Keep your car door windows, doors, and trunk locked and secured at all times.  It may discourage a crime of opportunity.

Try not to store any valuables in your vehicle.  If you must, store them underneath the seats or locked in the trunk so thieves will not see them.

Make sure your alarm and anti-theft devices are activated, especially at night.  This will help to deter thieves that have to work harder to steal or burglarize your vehicle.

As much as possible, park your car in a well-lit, well-traveled area. If you are parking it in your driveway, have sensor lights installed.

Try to avoid parking near large vehicles or objects like dumpsters, trees, and shrubbery.  Thieves may hide behind these objects.

Despite precaution, should you experience a theft or vehicle break-in, contact the police immediately at (973)325-4000.  911 should only be used for life-threatening emergencies. Insurance companies require a police report to process the claim.

If Your Vehicle Breaks Down

If you are on a busy highway, do not get out of the vehiclel to repair or examine the damage.  Get your vehicle to a safe place before you get out.  If you are in an accident, motion for the other driver to pull up to a safe spot ahead of you, and call the police immediately.

 If your vehicle is not driveable, try to remain inside to wait for or contact help. Standing outside the vehicle to wait is not a good idea.

Keep flares or triangles in your vehicle to mark it.  This will protect you by giving other drivers advance notice of your disabled vehicle.  Keep your hazard lights flashing. 

If you have a blowout or get a flat tire, get the vehicle to a safer place before attempting a repair—even if it means destroying the wheel getting there. The cost of a tire, rim or wheel is minor compared to endangering your safety.