SAN CLEMENTE : Police Issue Decals to Fight Auto Thefts
City residents can begin paying $2 to register their vehicles in a voluntary theft-prevention program administered by the San Clemente Police Department.
Under the Combat Auto Theft program, founded in New York City in 1986 and begun Friday in San Clemente, enrolled residents will receive a yellow window decal indicating that they do not normally drive between 1 and 5 a.m. If a tagged vehicle is spotted during these hours, police are authorized to stop it as a suspected theft.
According to police records, vehicle thefts in the city limits totaled 251 in 1989, and 237 in 1988. Most thefts occurred in the central area of the city, records show. This is the first year San Clemente has used the program, police said.
Registration is by appointment only. Those registering are required to bring a valid driver’s license, the vehicle registration, the vehicle to be enrolled and documentation of a San Clemente address. The Police Department is at 100 Avenida Presidio and can be reached at (714) 361-8213 or (714) 361-8386.
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