Increase in Auto Crimes Lead to CPD Awareness Campaign

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Lock it up is a new slogan for an an awareness campaign by the Chattanooga Police Department to remind residents to lock their doors.

“Well I’m from Memphis, Memphis Tennessee we are one of the worst cities in the state of Tennessee so nothing here surprises me,” said Romeo Fields.

Romeo Fields recently relocated to the Scenic City and says he wasn‘t surprised by the rise in auto thefts.

Saying that although he understands that the culture here is calmer than what he was used to, it’s still no excuse to not stay alert.

“You can’t be at the wrong place at the wrong time, if you at the wrong place at the wrong time I mean you if you gone get got you gone get got, but if you not I mean you just got to protect yourself,” said Romeo Fields.

Lt. Craig Joel said, “We actually look at it as a compliment the people are so comfortable in their residencies here in Chattanooga that they can leave their keys in the car.”

As it stands since the beginning of the year C-P-D has received over 160 vehicle reported stolen.

35 percent of those were stolen as a result of keys being left in an unlocked car.

And out of that same percentage 32 of them were stolen in the downtown Northshore area alone.

Lt.Craig Joel stated, “As far as it to leading to any other types of crimes. A lot of these are joyrides, at your warming up your car in the morning because it’s cold, well criminals are cold too see an opportunity and he’ll take it  and others they do take these cars to commit crimes a lot of them being gun crimes their they need a disposable vehicle.”

Romeo Field said, “It’s just simple things to be cautious because ultimately, I mean nobody going to replace your belongings but you”

Chattanooga Police also wants to remind residents that when warming up your car, stay with the vehicle to make sure it doesn’t get stolen.