Auto Theft & Break-Ins

Like most places, the City of Greenville experiences vehicle thefts and vehicle break-ins, (referred to as autobreaking in the state statue). Stolen cars, vans, trucks and motorcycles cost victims time and money and can cause insurance premiums to increase. Stolen vehicles are often used to commit other crimes.

The Greenville Police Department is asking for your help in combating these criminals. Since many vehicle crimes result from criminals seeing easy opportunities and taking them, you can easily outsmart a car thief (PDF) by following this simple advice given by the Greenville Police Department. Remember, most car crimes can be prevented, so don't give criminals an easy ride.

Locked Car

Preventing Auto Theft

  • Do not leave your keys inside a running, unoccupied vehicle.
  • Do not leave a spare, or valet, key inside your vehicle, whether locked or unlocked.
  • Do not give any unauthorized persons access to your vehicle keys.

Preventing Autobreaking

  • Don't leave valuables in your car. This may sound like common sense, but drivers and/or passengers often leave items of value in plain view everyday.
  • If you must leave valuable items in your car while out and about, place them out of sight before reaching your destination or move them to an inconspicuous location.  If you can, lock the items out of sight in your glove compartment or your trunk.  Avoid leaving shopping bags or packages visible in your car.
  • Once at home, unload your valuables immediately.
  • If your trunk can be opened from inside your car without a key, disable this feature if possible.
  • Don't leave any sign that there are valuables out of sight in your vehicle, such as docking stations, connector cables or suctions cup marks on the windshield or dashboard.
  • Try to park in busy, well-lit areas.
  • Lock all your vehicle doors, even if you plan to be gone for only a brief time.
  • Set your car alarm or anti-theft device if you have one.
  • Don't leave firearms in your parked vehicle. Be a responsible gun owner and keep your firearms stored properly:  safe and secured.  If you must leave a firearm in your vehicle, you should consider purchasing a vehicle safe and have it professionally mounted within the vehicle.
  • As a CWP holder, think ahead about your destination before leaving home. Would it be better to leave your carry pistol at home knowing your destination is a gun-free zone or establishment, rather than risk having it stolen when you have to leave it in your parked vehicle? 
Lock Your Car-01