Avoid Car, Home Burglaries During the Holidays

After a spate of v, Capt. Dave Silversparre of the Crescent Valley Sheriff's Station stood in front of LCF City Council, again, and advised residents to lock their car doors.

And close the garage.

And fasten gates.

So, during the holidays, when freshly-bought gifts may line your back seat, here's another suggestion: put them in the trunk. Local authorities suggest the following ideas to ward off crime this holiday season.

Stay Aware In and Out of the Car

Keep valuables in the trunk and out of visible sight for possible thieves. Make sure not to load your entire trunk with just purchased items and walk away because someone could have seen you. Only place items in the car trunk when you're leaving. Hide your GPS, keys, cell phones, bags of any kind and paperwork with personal information - this could be used for identity theft. 

Be vigilant of your belongings and surroundings both in the shopping area and as you walk to your car. With increased traffic it makes it easier for suspicious people to go undetected in shopping areas. Police suggest shopping with another person and parking in well-lit areas to make the walk to and from the car easier. 

Keep Your Home Secure

Keep windows and doors locked, and avoid placing gifts in a window with street visibility.

After you unwrap that new flat screen television or videogame console, do not advertise your newly acquired toys by leaving the boxes visible in the trashcans, it is acts as an invitation to home burglaries.