Take Steps To Stop Bandits From Breaking Into Vehicles

Following a recent string of vehicle break-ins throughout the confines of Bushwick's 83rd Precinct, local drivers are being warned by police to take extra precautions to avoid becoming victims of opportunistic thieves.

Reportedly, the command has seen an increase in the number of grand larceny cases in which crooks have allegedly gained access into parked vehicles and removed devices such as global positioning systems (GPS), cell phones, iPods and laptop com- puters.

Personal items left inside vehicles, such as wallets or pocketbooks, have also been reported stolen.

In most cases, police said, the suspects responsible smashed the windshield and/or a side window in order to enter each vehicle and obtain the loot.

Hoping to avoid further reported thefts, the commanding officer of the 83rd Precinct, Deputy Inspector John Bambury, and P.O. John Swanson of the force's Crime Prevention Unit are encouraging area residents to take these steps in order to better secure their vehicles and property:

• Whenever possible, do not store any valuables inside vehicles within the sight of passersby.

• If items must be left inside a