The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has taken a proactive stance on fighting this growing crime trend. To identify and deter existing offenders, the Sheriff's Office has employed the use of a "bait" car. This car is used in strategic areas of the county that have auto theft and trespass problems. The car is put in these areas as bait to attract potential thieves. By watching the car, it is possible to make arrests when criminals steal items from the car or try to steal it. When in use, the bait car is armed with a global positioning tracking system and a remote controlled fuel shut off.

Other proactive techniques used by the Sheriff's Office to deter such crimes as auto theft, are crime prevention and neighborhood watch programs. By educating the citizens of Douglas County on the proper way to avoid becoming a victim, we hope to decrease the number of opportunities that a criminal has to get to your car.

Tips on how not to become a victim:

• Never leave your keys in your car, even if it's parked in your own garage.
• Always lock the doors and roll up the windows, especially when parked in a public place such as a mall or a movie theater.
• Never leave your car unattended while it's running.
• Don't leave valuables lying around where thieves can see them through a window.
• At night, try to leave your car parked under lights or near the main entrance of any business.
• Never assume that your car is safe, even if you live in a "nice" or low crime community. Criminals can and do come from all walks of life.
• Never leave a child alone in a vehicle.

The kinds of cars most often stolen in Douglas County include Hondas, Acuras and all types of SUV's. The majority of Douglas County auto thefts occur in the densely populated area of the north-central portion of the county.

A large percentage of vehicles stolen in Douglas County had the keys left in them and are crimes of opportunity.

Remember that auto theft can happen on any day of the week, any time day or night and in every type of community.

For more information on Douglas County auto theft, please call the Special Investigations Section 303-784-7800.

For additional information, please e-mail: dcso@douglas.co.us