By Michael Armijo Eastvale – On our Facebook page, we’ve posted several crimes that have occurred throughout our community and many comments are filled with shock and a common question: “Is crime overcoming our community?” Eastvale has been labeled as the highest income level in the entire Inland Empire, which I’m sure, has brought some attention to the valuables we hold, have, drive, and live in. But while we are highlighted, are we also responsible for crime rising? Last week, the Eastvale Police Department conducted a very intelligent survey by walking through a local Eastvale shopping center looking for valuables in obvious sight that could attract thieves. Within TEN MINUTES, Eastvale police found, and took pictures of, numerous vehicles that were parked that had either left their doors unlocked, windows rolled down, or valuables left in plain sight. The question they asked was: “does your car attract or tempt a crime? If so, you may be a victim of a very preventable vehicle burglary. On our Facebook page, (www.facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews), many people have commented on how they “ran in for a minute,” or “it was parked right in my driveway.” We reported once before that a helicopter had been circling the area and looking for a suspect that had been seen walking down a street while checking every car door that was parked in a residential area, to see if any doors were open. The Eastvale Police Department would like to remind residents to take these simple, preventative steps to minimize the chances of becoming a victim of a vehicle burglary: Be aware of current crime trends: • Thefts are often crimes of opportunity. • Be cognizant of your surroundings. • Report suspicious activity to the police. Dispatch Non-Emergency (951) 776-1099 • Subjects loitering near parked vehicles, looking into vehicle windows, or attempting to open car doors randomly. • Be especially cautious in high-risk areas. • Parking lots at shopping centers, parks, and apartment complexes are particularly vulnerable to criminal activity. Suggestions to help deter vehicle burglaries: 1. LOCK your car. 2. Take your keys with you. 3. Park in well-lit areas. 4. Completely close your windows. 5. Consider a vehicle alarm. 6. DO NOT leave any valuables in sight. This includes detachable radios, cellular telephones, money, jewelry, computers, purses, tools, etc. 7. Keep your garage door opener out of sight. 8. Deactivate your garage door remote immediately in the event of theft. Do not hesitate to contact law enforcement to report any suspicious activity. You can reach the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at: Eastvale Police Department: 7477 Mission Blvd. Jurupa Valley, Ca. 92509 Station Phone Number: (951) 955-2600, Dispatch Non-Emergency: (951) 776-1099, Emergencies: 911. Don’t invite crime or tempt a desperate individual, report suspicious people and follow the guidelines above. (The City of Eastvale and the Eastvale Police Department contributed to this story)