Westpfalz Police are intensifying vehicle lock inspections and setting up a prevention stand in cooperation with U.S. military police to combat car thefts and educate the public on safeguarding their vehicles. (Westpfalz Police)

Military and local police forces are ramping up efforts to combat thefts from vehicles in Kaiserslautern, Westpfalz Police said in a statement.

In the coming days, officers from Kaiserslautern and Landstuhl police departments will be conducting inspections to ensure vehicles are securely locked.

So far in 2024, thefts from vehicles in the Kaiserslautern area have been reported in the lower hundreds, according to officals.

Criminals have long targeted unlocked cars, especially those with visible valuables such as wallets, sunglasses, phones, GPS devices and even miliary uniforms.

In Germany, leaving a vehicle unlocked can be considered “grossly negligent,” potentially resulting in fines, Westpfalz Police warned.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, a prevention stand will be set up at the Globus parking lot on Merkurstraße. Officers of both the American military police and local officers will be available to answer questions and provide tips on safeguarding vehicles against theft.