SOUTHERN UTAH – With people either driving across the county or across town for Christmas, the Hurricane City and St. George Police Departments ask people to be mindful in securing their homes and vehicles this holiday season.
The following is shared from the Hurricane City Police Department’s Facebook page:
Some things to keep in mind over the holiday: We have recently seen an increase in vehicle burglary. Unfortunately during this time of celebration, we have people that are taking from others. Please make sure you keep your vehicles and residence secured. Do not leave items of value in your vehicles.
We are asking for your help, if you see suspicious activity report it immediately to dispatch 435-627-4999. From all of us at Hurricane City Police Department, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The following tips for holiday shopping safety were provided by the St. George Police Department. While the shopping season comes to an end the final, frenzied hours of Christmas, after-Christmas shoppers may still wish to review these tips as they descend upon post-holiday sales and return lines.
Keep your vehicle visible: Thieves like to work in private. Park where there are a lot of people, or in areas where there is a lot of light. Avoid having your vehicle concealed by larger vehicles, fences or foliage.
Don’t make it easy: Keep your windows and sunroofs closed and your doors locked. Most of the thefts in the area happen when vehicles are unlocked. Take your keys with you. If you need a safe place for a spare try putting one in your wallet or purse, or give a spare key to a trusted family member or friend. DON’T hide it IN or ON your vehicle—thieves know where to look
Activate your vehicle’s alarm: A professionally installed or factory-installed alarm can discourage a car break-in thieves like to work in silence.
Hide your valuables: Many thieves smash-and-grab on impulse. Keep your property out of sight; either take it with you or leave it in a locked trunk. Don’t count on the glove box being safe; thieves know to look there, and they’re easy to break into. Don’t have a trunk in your SUV? Get a fitted cargo to keep shopping bags or other belongings hidden.
Hide your property before you get to where you’re going: Some thieves will watch a parking lot for those who are putting items in the back of their vehicles before they go inside to shop. Avoid being targeted by concealing your belongings BEFORE you get to your destination. Make sure that evidence of electronic equipment such as: GPS, MP3, DVD and other electronic equipment is hidden. Don’t leave adapter or power cords out where they can be seen. Vehicles containing these types of equipment are often targeted.
Trust your instincts: If you see suspicious activity in an area, find another spot to park. Report your suspicions to the police. You may be helping keep another person from becoming a victim of a car break-in – or worse.
Take it one more step: Many vehicles are broken into with the intent of stealing the vehicle itself. Visible anti-theft devices, like steering wheel locks, steering column collars or brake pedal locks, may discourage the would-be thief from breaking in and trying to steal the vehicle.
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