Eugene Police urge Duck fans prevent car break-ins, leave items out of sight or at home
EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) -- Eugene Police are increasing their presence around Autzen Stadium as the Ducks open their football season Saturday, warning fans about how they can protect their property outside in the parking lots.
Over the last three years during the football games, the Eugene Police Department (EPD) says car burglaries in parking lots around Autzen Stadium have gone up from eight in 2009 to 52 burglaries last season.
In response, EPD’s Crime Prevention officers spent Saturday, September 1, 2012 patrolling local lots and handing out flyers reading, “don’t leave anything in your car”.
EPD says people should not leave anything in their car when they attend a football game - no music device cables, sunglasses or anything of value. Officers say virtually anything that looks useful or valuable can turn your car into a crime of opportunity.
"Protecting your property is not something that just the police can do, it's something we have to have the property owners assist with. I mean, if you as a property owner can take some steps about protecting your property, then realistically, we don't end up having to get involved,” says Harlow Meno, a crime prevention specialist with the Eugene Police Department.
Several crime prevention officers will spend all Saturday afternoon and evening patrolling more than a dozen lots where people leave their cars for the football games. EPD is hoping to continue the patrols for the rest of the season if possible.
To report a car break-in, visit www.eugenepolice.com or call 541 682-5111.
