Tampa police are using an unusual tactic to deter crime—refrigerator magnets.
The agency handed out magnets on Wednesday to remind people to lock their doors; hide purses, electronics, valuables and money; secure firearms and keep them out of plain view and remove keys and valet keys.
Officers rolled out the new citywide initiative in Davis Islands, where police have seen a spike in car burglaries.
Between January and March, Tampa police have investigated 295 auto burglaries, compared to 297 in that time frame last year.
“We hope magnets will help magnify the importance of securing cars and valuables overnight which will help decrease thefts,” said TPD spokeswoman Janelle McGregor.
The agency has teamed up with residents to get the magnets to residents across Tampa Bay.
Officers hope the program will encourage neighbors to work with each other and law enforcement and to ultimately decrease the number of unlocked vehicles in the city.
