O.C. Hit by Rash of Jimmied Windows

Orange County law enforcement officials report a rash of burglaries involving minivans and trucks with sliding glass windows, which are much easier to break into than traditional doors and roll-up windows.

The sliding windows are common on the backs of pickup truck cabs and on the sides of certain minivans, notably the Ford Aerostar.

In Irvine, police report more than 25 such burglaries over the past few months at the Wild Rivers water park alone. In most cases, the burglars made away with cash, checks and credit cards, said police crime analyst Julie Cooper.

Westminster police received 71 reports and Fullerton police 41 for sliding-window burglaries over a recent six-month period.

“Crooks are always looking for easier ways to break into vehicles,” said Fullerton Police Sgt. Joe Klein. “Sliding doors are easier than busting out a lock or smashing a window.”

The number represents a fraction of the thousands of auto break-ins across the county, but officials said the rise in sliding-window burglaries is a trend. Theft from minivans is the biggest problem, because families tend to keep valuables inside.

“It isn’t too hard to see through the vans’ large paneled windows,” Cooper said.

Crooks can get inside by pulling back the window frame and sliding a pry tool long enough to reach a latch at the front of the window. They then use the tool to unhook the latch, allowing them to slide the window open. They can then get open the door and take whatever they want, said Irvine Police Sgt. Rick Handfield.

Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim:

* Lock all valuables inside the glove compartment, or take them with you when you leave the vehicle.

* Install sliding-window locks, available at most car-accessory stores.

* Place a wooden dowel or tube in the inside track of the sliding door or window. This will prevent anybody from opening it from the outside.

* Consider tinting the rear window of your minivan to prevent people from seeing what’s inside.