Escalon Police are joining in a countywide effort to offer some protection to owners of the most popular vehicle theft targets.
Authorities have identified nine vehicle models that are the most stolen by thieves in San Joaquin County and they are now providing some free help in protecting your car against theft.
Police departments in Escalon, Manteca, Ripon, and Lathrop as well as throughout the county will distribute free anti-theft steering wheel locking devices – known as ‘The Club’ ? to owners of the top nine vehicles targeted by thieves. A limited number of anti-theft devices were purchased with funding from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The county is consistently within the top seven areas in the country each year in terms of auto theft.
“The people wanting The Club will need to bring in their vehicle registration and will be limited to two per person, with two qualifying vehicles,” said Escalon Police Officer Anthony Hardgraves.
The joint effort being conducted in cooperation with the multi-agency Delta Regional Auto Theft Team is augmenting ongoing enforcement and prosecution with efforts to prevent auto theft through awareness and prevention.
Investigators have identified the top nine most stolen vehicles in San Joaquin County as:
1. 1989 to 1997 Honda Accord
2. 1988 to 2000 Honda Civic
3. 1987 to 1996 Toyota Camry
4. 1990 to 1998 Acura Integra
5. 1993 to 1998 Saturn SL
6. 1992 to 1994 Nissan Sentra
7. 1989 to 2001 Chevy Pickup
8. 1987 to 1995 Toyota Pickup
9. 1987 to 1995 Nissan Pickup
The only three requirements to receive a free anti-theft device are: Own a vehicle on the top nine most stolen vehicle list; vehicle must be currently registered; be a resident of San Joaquin County.
A common sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves, said authorities. Auto theft investigators recommend you should secure your vehicle even if parking for a brief period. You should always remove your keys from the ignition, lock your doors, close your windows, and park in a well-lit area.
To pick up a free locking device, stop by any of the participating law enforcement agencies. In Escalon, at 2040 McHenry Ave.; at Manteca Police Department, 1001 Center St.; Ripon Police Department, 259 N. Wilma Ave.; or Lathrop Police, 15597 Seventh St.
The clubs are also available through the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department in French Camp and the CHP office in Stockton.
