EVERETT – Less than a week’s worth of lattes can buy car owners some piece of mind and a whole lot of headache for thieves.
The Everett Police Department has improved its program to get inexpensive steering-wheel locking devices to residents.
The Club is available at the north and south precincts for $10.83, about a third of what it costs in stores, crime prevention officer Steve Paxton said.
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Steering-wheel locking devices are available for $10.83 from the Everett Police Department. The Club can be purchased by check only at the main station, 3002 Wetmore Ave., or the south precinct, 1121 SE Everett Mall Way.
For more information, call 425-257-7521.
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In the past, the department had to have orders of at least 25 to get the discounted rate. Residents struggled to get enough neighbors, Block Watch members and relatives together to buy that many devices, Paxton said.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to get one,” he said.
Since the program started in Everett, more than 2,500 devices have been sold. Police want more people to invest in The Club, which locks into place and prevents the steering wheel from moving.
Auto theft is on the rise in Snohomish County. Everett has the third-highest rate in the state. In response, Chief Jim Scharf formed an auto theft task force this year.
The task force has been making headway but auto thefts continue to rise, Sgt. Dan Templeman said.
During the first nine months this year, 1,307 auto thefts were reported in Everett – up from 1,159, or about 12 percent, during the same time last year.
Stolen cars also enable crooks to commit additional crimes, such as burglaries or identity thefts.
The department has been spreading the message to residents to protect themselves against thieves.
The Club is an inexpensive deterrent. It isn’t a 100 percent guarantee but “for $10 the level of protection you get is phenomenal,” Paxton said.
Most car thieves are opportunistic, looking for the easy target. A steering wheel device can make a quick getaway impossible.
“Obviously crooks don’t want to be very long stealing the car, Paxton said. “If they see The Club, they’re more likely to move onto another car.”
Police say The Club is just a part of how to protect your vehicle from theft. Other tips include:
* Lock your doors.
* Roll up your windows.
* Remove personal belongings, including compact discs, clothes and bags from the vehicle.
* Park in a highly visibly and well-lit location.
* Use more than one anti-theft device, such as a car alarm that disables the starter when activated.
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
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