Ellen Cameron
Staff Writer

Sometime late on the night of Sept. 14 or early on the morning of Sept. 15, another car break-in took place in Pecan Hollow.

The suspect was apprehended by police, who found a band instrument in his possession. This reinforces the warning that drivers should park in garages when possible, and make sure that anything of value is hidden, or better yet, not in the vehicle at all. A rash of car break-ins occurred earlier this spring, with no indication on the exact number of perpetrators, and seems to have resurfaced.

Crime rates are low in Coppell, but residents are warned to not be lulled into a false sense of security and precaution is still key in avoiding theft.

This advice is given to help deter car burglary:

• Keep all valuables out of sight, or out of the car altogether. This includes iPods, cell phones, and even, apparently, expensive band equipment.
• Always lock car doors and glove compartments when not in the vehicle.
• Keep the windows rolled up. Even if you’re just dashing in the house, leaving the windows down while you are not vigilant provides criminals with a small but great window of opportunity.
• Park your car in safe and visible areas.
• Consider using visible anti-theft devices, such as a steering wheel locking apparatus.

For more advice, click http://www.ehow.com/how_1513_avoid-car-theft.html.