The number of car break-ins in Prague is currently on the rise, with the Jižní Město, Zahradní Město, and Vinohrady neighbourhoods particularly affected. The police urgently advise people to take precautions, as the perpetrators usually remain unidentified.
Prague police have had to deal with dozens of cases in recent weeks. According to a report by the news channel ČT24, the thieves mostly steal money, car batteries, or headlights – especially in Jižní Město, Zahradní Město, and Vinohrady. In most cases, the perpetrators cannot be identified.
Criminals have struck in 792 cases since the beginning of the year. “The vast majority of these thefts take place in the evening or at night. However, we have also recorded several cases of theft in broad daylight,” Eva Kropáčová, spokeswoman for the Prague police, told the news channel.
Most incidents have recently been recorded in Prague 4 and Prague 10. If the perpetrators are caught and convicted, they face up to two years in prison.
To effectively protect yourself against car break-ins, you should never leave any valuables visible in your vehicle. Even seemingly unimportant items such as bags or jackets can attract thieves. If storing valuables in the car is unavoidable, they should be hidden as inconspicuously as possible in the boot or under the seats before arriving at your destination.
Most thefts occur in the evening and at night. Thieves can break into an unattended vehicle within a few minutes. The best protection is provided by a combination of mechanical and electronic security. The risk of theft can be significantly reduced if the vehicle is parked in a highly visible and well-frequented location.
