From the Eureka Police Department:

If you happen to find one of these “Vehicle Security Report Cards” on your windshield sometime don’t worry, it is not a ticket.

Last week, the Eureka Police Department quietly launched a new crime prevention program aimed at reducing the number of vehicle-related thefts occurring in the city. The Old Town and Downtown commercial districts in particular have been a “hot spot” for vehicle thefts and burglaries over the past year and EPD’s efforts with “Operation Pass/Fail” began there.

Officers and police volunteers are randomly spot checking parked vehicles and occasionally placing these report cards on them as a courtesy notice. Officers rate the security of each vehicle by marking PASSED or FAILED on the card based on the vehicle’s susceptibility to theft. Vehicles “fail” the inspection for reasons such as unlocked doors, open windows, keys left inside, and valuables left in plain view.

Last Thursday afternoon, EPD Captain Steve Watson spot checked over 20 parked vehicles in one neighborhood and found that approximately 40% had valuable property plainly visible inside including smart phones, purses, backpacks, and electronics.

Theft from vehicles is a frequent but easily preventable crime. These courtesy notices are intended to inform people of security risks they may have overlooked and encourage them to do their part to safeguard their own property.

Follow the security tips in this acronym to keep your vehicle and belongings safe:

C – Close all windows.
L – Lock all doors.
E – Eliminate all belongings from plain view.
A – Always take your vehicle keys.
R – Remove garage door openers.

Please help EPD prevent crime in Eureka and remember to…

Remove it, lock it, or lose it.

Red: Burglary from motor vehicle. Blue: Petty theft from motor vehicle.