Donât make it easy for âsmash & grabâ auto thieves. Keep wallets, purses, cell phones, keys, and other tempting items out of sight, if you must leave them in your car. If youâll need to store valuables in your trunk while you shop, put them there before getting to your destination. Donât let a thief observe you putting valuables into the trunk.
Park in busy lots and designated spaces, near pedestrian and vehicle traffic. After dark, park in a well-lit area or near a lamppost. Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy about a parking area, donât park there!
If you have a great hiding place for a key â say, in your wheel well or above your sun visor â a thief has thought of it too. Many times!
Have your keys in your hand when you leave a store. They will be ready when you arrive at your car â and you can hit the âpanic buttonâ if necessary.
When mailing checks, gift cards, or confidential information, deposit the envelope into a USPS collection box. If you canât get to a collection box, place it in your personal mail box in the morning, as close to the regular pick up time as possible. Pick up your incoming mail daily. Check your front porch daily. A package sitting on the front porch is an open invitation to a thief.
At home, donât display gifts where they may be seen from a window.
Check your indoor and outdoor holiday lights carefully. Replace them if they show any signs of wear.
Beware of strangers soliciting for charitable donations. Check identification carefully before donating. Consider giving to local reputable groups or organizations you have had contact with in the past.
Marilyn Gillis writes this column in collaboration with Sun Cityâs Neighborhood Watch/Neighbors Helping Neighbors Committee.
