Police Schedule East Austin Safety Presentation To Avert Car Burglaries

EAST AUSTIN, TX — Austin Police Department officials are scheduled to offer safety tips to residents designed to deter car burglaries. In a twist to such presentations, vehicle report cards will be left on cars parked along the street, each safety card containing advice from law enforcement.

This helpful presentation is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Crossing Place and Faro Drive.

In the meantime, police offer several tips to avoid having one's car burglarized during the holidays. These days are something of the mother lode for thieves, as many people leave their goods inside their vehicles in plain sight during holiday shopping.

Police urge everyone to remember this mnemonic device: HLY:

H – Hide your things

L – Lock your car
T – Take your keys

Vehicles:

• Never leave the keys inside the vehicle or unattended while running;
• Assure windows are rolled all the way up;
• Lock your vehicle even if you are only going to be away from it a short time;
• Set your vehicle alarm whenever you exit/lock your vehicle;
• Do not leave valuables (i.e. purses, wallets, phones, presents, etc.) visible inside your vehicle even if it is locked; take valuables with you or lock in trunk;
• If you observe anyone acting suspiciously near vehicles or in your neighborhood, report it immediately by calling 9-1-1.

Residence:

• Lock doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes;
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail;
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer;
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied;
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home;
• If you are expecting packages leave a note asking the carrier (UPS, Federal Express, USPS, etc.) to not leave packages if you will not be home; notify them to leave you a notice and you will pick up the packages from their facility.

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