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Crime Prevention Tip: Car Alarms

I received this earlier today courtesy of CPL Jim Flynn of the Bladensburg Police Department:

For those of you who have a vehicle that has a remote entry device, you may also have a handy burglar/emergency alarm that you probably don’t think about. Most of these remote entry devices have a panic button that activates your vehicle’s security alarm system. Test it. It will activate from almost anywhere inside your house and will keep honking and flashing the lights until either your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the remote entry fob. It works if your vehicle is parked in your driveway or garage.

So, the next time you come home for the night and start to put your keys away think of this: Put your car keys beside your bed when you retire for the night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone tries to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, within a few seconds your neighbors will be looking out their windows to see what all the commotion is about and odds are the bad guy won't stick around.

Your vehicle alarm can be useful in other situations, such as a medical emergency, where you can't reach a phone. Some people suggest carrying your keys when working in the yard in case you fall and "can't get up." If the alarm is activated the car alarm will attract attention and rescue. And remember, have your keys out while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there.

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