10:39 AM MST on Wednesday, March 24, 2004

By Scott Simonson
© 2004 ARIZONA DAILY STAR

In a national hot spot for theft, the most effective advice for Tucson residents may be to take extra care with valuables in cars and trucks.

For every larceny at a residence, Tucson experienced five thefts of property in vehicles or of vehicle parts in 2002, the year that the Tucson area registered the highest larceny rate among the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, according to FBI statistics.

Tucson thieves tend to be unsophisticated, looking for easy targets, said Sgt. Judy Altieri, spokeswoman for the Tucson Police Department. Even basic, common-sense steps can help create a deterrent, she said.

"A lot of people in today's world are living very busy, hectic lives," Altieri said. "When people let their guard down and are not aware of their surroundings, like not locking their doors or closing windows, it increases their chances of being victimized."

About 2,200 larcenies occurred at residences in 2002 compared with more than 11,100 thefts of either property stored in motor vehicles, or parts and accessories.

Part of the disparity reflects how statistics are computed. Breaking into a car counts as a larceny (commonly known as theft), Altieri said. Stealing from a residence is larceny only when it doesn't involve unlawful entry, which is burglary under FBI reporting rules.

Citizens can obtain brochures on how to protect their property by visiting local police substations or by visiting www.ci.tucson.az.us/police/Crime_Prevention/crime_prevention.html, a Police Department Web site.

The most common items stolen are not wallets, purses or even cash. They're personal belongings like cell phones, cameras, electronic equipment, tools, jewelry or clothes, according to the 2002 National Crime Victimization Survey performed by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The police and the Pima County Sheriff's departments offer free use of electric engraving tools to help protect home electronics and other valuables.

Part of a program called Operation Identification recommends engraving to deter thieves and make it easier for citizens to recover stolen property.

Authorities suggest engraving property with the owner's driver license number, not a Social Security number. Then citizens should display a sticker or sign to let would-be thieves know that property has been marked.

Citizens can learn about Operation Identification or about joining or starting a neighborhood watch program by calling 741-4685 in Pima County or contacting their local police substation in Tucson.

For more Arizona news, visit www.azstarnet.com or www.azfamily.com.