Granted, it can be a slippery slope.
Pinellas County deputies–in proactively fighting a noticeable uptick in burglaries and thefts–are leaving “Lock It Up!” fliers inside cars they find unlocked. And then locking them. For the record, the most frequently reported property crimes in Pinellas are vehicle burglaries–with more than half occurring in unlocked cars.
And among items most often stolen: guns. According to Sheriff Bob Gualtierri, since 2013 more than 80 percent of guns stolen from cars came from unlocked cars.
Some have concerns–of the legal sort–with the practice, calling it trespassing because police lack probable cause to open cars in the first place. And how thin is that principled line between look and search? Call it government authority vs. privacy. Call it intrusive.
Others see it as a practice that improves public awareness and public safety.
Personally, if an officer leaves a “Lock It Up!” flyer in my carelessly unlocked car, I’m saying: “Thanks.”