Hello Tipp City! Marc the Cop here,

This past Sunday, while I was taking my 82-year-old aunt to church, I wheeled into Sheets to get some gas before church.

As I was preparing to pump my gas, I noticed the gas nozzle had a unique sign on it: “Hey There! Don’t forget to lock up! Take your keys, hide valuables, and never leave kids unattended in your vehicle!”

I thought to myself, “What great advice!” Then, it also reminded me of the days when Tipp City and Troy were being targeted by an organized West Dayton gang who was coming to the city to steal cars from the gas stations.

Sometimes, we get lulled into a false sense of security when living in a small town. We tend to get complacent and forget that the criminal element is always ready to exploit and take advantage of those who don’t prepare. With the recent thefts from motor vehicles and actual theft of motor vehicles in the city, I think it’s an excellent time to address this issue.

Securing your car at the gas pumps is essential to maintaining personal safety and protecting your vehicle and belongings. With the rise in opportunistic thefts, preventive measures can help prevent potential incidents while refueling. Here are some tips to ensure your car remains secure at the gas station. Firstly, always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when entering a gas station. Choose a well-lit and busy station, as these are less likely to be targeted by criminals. If possible, select a pump that directly views the station's attendant or security cameras. Avoid isolated or dimly lit areas, especially if you are alone or it is late at night. Before exiting your vehicle, make sure all windows are rolled up and doors are locked. This is a simple yet effective way to prevent a thief from gaining easy access to your car while you are distracted. It is common for thieves to target vehicles with open windows or unlocked doors, quickly snatching valuables or even attempting to steal the car itself. While pumping gas, keep your keys with you at all times. Please do not leave them in the ignition or on the seat, as this can invite opportunistic theft. If you have a remote key fob, consider using its locking function, even if you only step away for a moment. This extra step ensures that your car remains secure, preventing unauthorized access. It is also important to avoid displaying valuables inside your vehicle. Items such as laptops, handbags, phones, and shopping bags should be kept out of sight, either in the trunk or under seats. Visible valuables attract thieves looking for a quick opportunity to snatch something valuable. Keeping your car's interior clutter-free can reduce the risk of a break-in.

 Additionally, while paying for fuel inside the station, remain cautious. Take your keys with you and be aware of your surroundings. If you see any suspicious activity, such as someone loitering near your car or acting unusually, report it to the station attendant immediately.

Finally, consider investing in security devices such as steering wheel locks, car alarms, or dash cams. These devices can deter thieves and provide evidence in case of an incident. Modern dash cams often come with motion detection features, alerting you to any unusual activity around your car.

Securing your car at the gas pumps involves being vigilant, locking your vehicle, keeping valuables out of sight, and using security devices. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of theft and ensure a safe refueling experience.

Remember the 9 PM routine! The Nine PM routine is a nightly reminder to residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, lock the doors to their residences, turn exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems.

That is all for this week! Please be safe, care for one another, and I'll see you in church on Sunday!

Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)

Do you have a suggestion for the Tipp of the Week? You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!

The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.