A Safer Naper

July -  Preventing Vehicle Burglaries and Thefts  

The Naperville Police Department is encouraging everyone to make our community #ASaferNaper by locking their vehicles!

It doesn’t matter if it’s parked in your driveway or a parking lot – removing your valuables and locking your doors can help prevent motor vehicle burglary, which is often a crime of opportunity. Burglars will pull on door handles, bypass locked vehicles and rummage through unlocked vehicles looking for something to steal. In 2025, approximately 80% of motor vehicle burglaries reported to police involved unlocked vehicles.

You can significantly reduce the risk by removing valuables and locking the vehicle. Protecting your vehicle is as easy as pushing a button! 

Burglary to Motor Vehicle Prevention Tips

DO …
… lock your doors.
… close windows and sunroofs.
… park in well-lit areas.
… take your valuables with you.

DON’T …
… leave vehicles unattended with the doors unlocked or windows down.
… leave the keys in the vehicle, even in your garage or driveway.
… leave your purse or wallet in your vehicle. 
… leave possessions out in plain view. 
… hide valuables under seats; it’s the first place burglars check!
… cover items left on the seat or floorboard of your car. Blankets and clothing present a clue to thieves that items may be hidden underneath.
… leave any important documents that contain your personal information in your car.
… hide a spare key on your car; thieves know where to look.

9PM Routine

Need a reminder to get you in the habit of securing your vehicle? Follow the 9PM Routine!

The 9PM Routine encourages residents to get into a nightly routine of making their residence and vehicle(s) tougher targets for crime by taking proactive steps to combat thefts and break-ins. It helps you develop your own personal security routines by having a designated time to perform these tasks every night. Make a checklist and set a reminder for 9 p.m. to make sure your property is secure:

• Remove any valuables from vehicles left outside overnight. Remember, NEVER leave your keys or garage door opener in your vehicle.
• Confirm all windows and sunroofs are closed and lock vehicle doors.
• Close the overhead garage door.
• Close and lock all exterior doors and windows. Don’t forget to lock the service door from your garage to your house.
• Turn on exterior lights and leave them on until dawn.