The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is launching a "Park It, Lock It, Forget It" campaign as vehicle theft in the Territory increases. Photo: RVIPF

The RVIPF says a significant number of vehicle theft in the Virgin Islands have been attributed to the vehicles being left unlocked, and with the keys inside in many cases. Photo: RVIPF

RVIPF urges vehicle owners and vehicle rental companies to exercise greater caution when securing their vehicles following a recent surge in vehicle thefts across the Territory. Photo: Internet Source

This comes as the RVIPF urges vehicle owners and vehicle rental companies to exercise greater caution when securing their vehicles following a recent surge in vehicle thefts across the Territory. 

The RVIPF in a press release on Friday, January 24, 2025, said a significant number of these events have been attributed to the vehicles being left unlocked, and with the keys inside in many cases. 

“This practice not only increases the risk of theft but also creates a general environment that encourages opportunistic crimes. Similarly, reports indicate that some vehicle rental companies are instructing patrons to return vehicles by leaving the keys in unsecured positions outside the vehicles or inside unlocked cars. This leaves vehicles vulnerable for extended periods, creating an attractive target for thieves.

Recommendations for Motorists:

• Always Lock Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is locked at all times, even if you
• are stepping away for just a moment.
• Remove Keys: Never leave your keys inside the vehicle, regardless of where it is
• parked.
• Avoid Leaving Valuables in Plain Sight: Remove or conceal items such as
• wallets, electronics, or bags, which can draw unwanted attention.
• Park in Well-Lit Areas: At night, opt for parking spaces that are well-lit and
• monitored by security cameras when possible.
• Install Anti-Theft Devices: Consider installing alarms, steering wheel locks, or
• GPS trackers as additional layers of protection.

Guidelines for Rental Companies:

• Secure Vehicle Return Process: Establish secure methods for patrons to return
• vehicle keys, such as coded drop boxes in monitored areas.
• Minimize Vulnerability: Avoid instructing customers to leave vehicles unlocked or
• keys in unsecure positions. If keys must be left, ensure the retrieval point is secure
• and the vehicle is not left exposed for prolonged periods.
• Implement Real-Time Retrieval Measures: Arrange for immediate collection of
• returned vehicles to minimize vulnerability.
• Educate Patrons: Inform customers about the importance of securing vehicles
• and adhering to safe practices when returning rental cars.
• Monitor Fleet Locations: Use GPS tracking to monitor vehicle locations and act
• quickly if unauthorized movement occurs.

If this practices are adopted, the RVIPF is confident motorists and rental companies can help reduce the incidence of vehicle thefts contributing to a safer community. 

Anyone with information regarding vehicle thefts or suspicious activity are encouraged to confidentially contact Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800- 8477 or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.

“Let’s work together to safeguard our community. Remember, a moment of caution can prevent a lifetime of regret,” the release added.