The other night my wife and I were watching the local news. They aired a story about a pizza delivery man who had his vehicle stolen. According to the news, the delivery man parked his vehicle out front of a gas station were he proceeded to go inside to deliver his pizza. Before he knew it, his car was being driven away by two unidentified males. In a futile attempt to get his car back the delivery man ran out of the gas station and in front of his moving car. Lucky for him, he was struck with the front driver's side corner of the vehicle, causing him to be knocked backwards and out of the way of the moving car. He only suffered minor injuries.

Before the news story ended I said to my wife "I bet he left his keys in the ignition and left the car running while he ran in to deliver his pizza." Sure enough as soon as I said that the news reporter stated "One thing he admits he will never do again is leave his keys in the ignition." As the reporter said this she held up a set of car keys and jingled them.

As far as I know the thieves were never caught, so I cannot validate what I theorize is true. I do not believe the thieves intended on stealing a car. What I mean by that is they did not pre-plan to steal a car. They were shown on security camera just before the delivery man entered the gas station, making a small purchase. They then exited the gas station and stole the delivery mans car. However, they stole the car because they saw the opportunity and took advantage of it. They did not pre-plan to steal the car they just saw a quick opportunity and took advantage of it. How do I draw that conclusion? If the thieves pre-planned to steal the car they would have been hiding outside somewhere waiting for their victim, not purchasing something in the gas station. They probably intended on walking home or where their destination was, but upon exiting the gas station saw a better alternative.

Thievery such as this is all too common. Thieves in general are people who act on impulse; if they see an opportunity they go for it and worry about the consequences later. In my years as a Police Officer I have taken many reports where the only reason the theft occurred was because the property owner did something to give the thief an opportunity to steal, which they promptly did.

To avoid being a victim of this type of criminal behavior is not difficult. All you need to do is not give thieves easy opportunities, such as:

Leaving valuables in your vehicle, which are in plain view. Such as leaving your purse, or laptop computer on the front seat of your car.
Leaving your vehicle unlocked
Leaving the keys in your vehicle
Leaving your purse in your shopping cart while you turn your back and walk down the food isle
Leaving your house or apartment unlocked

These may seem like such common sense things to do and they are. However, you would be surprised at how many thefts occur because of these very actions. So what may seem like common sense is not being followed by the majority and because of this the thieves are having a field day.

Keep an eye on your valuables at all times and when you can't make sure they are put somewhere were know one else can see them. You want to make it as hard as possible to for a thief rob you blind, by being a hard target.

In my book I cover many other things that people do, which result in them being victims of criminal activity. I address not only simple property crime but serious personal crimes also. If you would like more information about my book or would like to read more of my crime prevention articles click on the following link Crime Prevention Information

Scott Shaper is a former police officer and the author of the book "Crime Awareness 101". He also has written numerous crime prevention articles, which can be found through out the web. If you would like more information on his book or would like to read more of his articles then click on the following link Crime Prevention Information