DO YOU KNOW
THESE PEOPLE? • Nephi City Police are
asking the public to call them if you recognize
the above persons. They are wanted for
questioning in recent thefts in our area.
By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
It doesn't take much time following a car burglary for
a thief to begin using the stolen plastic at stores in the
area.
At least that was the case with some burglaries which
occurred in Nephi recently.
Mike Morgan, Nephi City Police Officer, said that
following a car burglary in March, the thieves were less
than an hour in making use of the credit cards they had
taken from a local vehicle.
"The theft occurred at 3:30 a.m. and by 9 a.m., when
the cards were canceled, there was already $3,000 worth of
illegal charges," said Morgan.
In fact, he said, the first charge on the card was
done at Payson WalMart at 4:30 a.m. That was a break for
police because the store's cameras captured the couple who
used the card.
Now Morgan would appreciate a call from anyone
recognizing the thieves. He can be contacted at
681-0169.
"WalMart has an excellent system and can pinpoint the
exact register and the exact time when the transaction using
the exact credit card occurred," said Morgan.
The card, stolen in March, was used at Payson,
Springville, Lehi and Riverton, and Kerns within hours. The
card was then either sold or traded to other persons and was
used in Salt Lake County.
Morgan, who retired, after 20 years as a Salt Lake
Deputy and Sgt. with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's
Department, last December, still has some media connections
and was able to get the video on a television newscast. He
has received some calls reporting possible suspects in the
case.
"We have had the same thing happen several times now,"
said Morgan.
Homes and vehicles, even those housed in garages, have
been broken into, he said.
Vehicle burglary is often a crime of opportunity.
Carelessness is often causing vehicles to be broken into as
well as stolen. Minimize the chances of being a victim by
taking away the opportunity.
Here are some tips to remember: lock they vehicle and
take the keys; park carefully in well lighted areas; use
anti-theft devices; clean out the vehicle and do not leave
anything in it, remove the garage door opener; park in a
closed garage, if possible; use an engraver to mark property
and report suspicious activity or persons to the police
department.
Remember to always lock up and take the keys with you
because an unlocked car is an open invitation to a car
thief, lock the trunk or tailgate, close all windows because
professional thieves have tools that unlock cars through the
smallest openings and be sure vent or wind-wing windows are
shut tight and locked.
Lock the car even when making a quick stop at the gas
station, convenience store or mini-mall.
At night, park in well-lit areas with lots of people
around when out running errands and turn wheels sharply
toward the curb when parking, this makes it extra difficult
for thieves to tow your car.
Avoid leaving in the vehicle and/or in view: cellular
phones and chargers, pagers, CDs, purses/briefcases,
wallets, back packs, clothing, laptops/cameras, sports
equipment/tools, removable stereos including the removable
face plates.
"The thieves were after anything they could take which
could be used to sell or barter to support their drug
habits," said Morgan. "Never leave a purse or credit cards
in the car even if it is parked in the garage."
Be sure the garage door can be secured. Do not leave
it open even when outside mowing the back lawn. An empty
garage broadcasts the homeowner's absence.
Home burglaries have also been a problem locally, he
said.
To prevent and discourage home burglaries, homeowners
should invest in solid doors and good quality locks on doors
and windows. This includes on all sliding glass doors as
well. Make it not only difficult but also time consuming for
a burglar to gain entry.
Always lock the home's doors and take the key with,
even if just stepping next door or out mowing the back
yard.
Don't put valuables where they can be seen from the
window, especially items that can be easily carried.
Use a timer set to turn interior lights on and off at
varying intervals as though the home was still occupied.
Don't keep large amounts of cash or really valuable
jewelry around the house.
If someone comes to the door asking to use the
telephone, make the call for them. Don't invite them in.
Don't hide a spare key under the door mat or under a
flower pot. Thieves know all the good hiding places.
Plant thorny bushes under all windows. Trim back any
trees or shrubs near doors and windows to eliminate hiding
places for would-be thieves.
Invest in a good security system along with motion
sensor lights installed out of reach
Don't leave ladders outside. Keep any tools that could
be used to break in your home safely locked away in a garage
or shed.
Get a barking dog or "beware of dog" signs. If you own
a dog and go out of town, have someone come in and care for
your dog in your home.
Always double check doors at night and lock all
windows.
Engrave all valuables such as stereos, microwaves,
video cameras and videotape the contents of the home. Keep
the video and the list of all valuables in a safe place,
such as a safety deposit box.
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