Lombard Police Department offers holiday crime prevention tips

“Offenders enter a vehicle and remove cash or other items that can be turned quickly into cash,” commented Lt. Scott Watkins of the Lombard Police Department. Some of the most popular items include cell phones, cash, wallets/purses, brief cases, cameras, stereos/speakers, lap-top computers and GPS units. “Many times, the vehicles have been left unlocked,” added Watkins.

There are some simple steps that can be taken as a precaution for personal and vehicle protection:

• When shopping, always park in a well-lit area. If parking during the daytime, make sure that the area will be well lit when you return.

• Close car windows and lock the doors, even if you are only going to be gone a short time and even in your own driveway.

• Don't leave valuables in plain sight in a vehicle.

• When shopping, place packages in the trunk.

• If you have a garage, use it! If you must leave the car in the driveway, leave an exterior light on.

• Car alarms are a deterrent.

• Anytime you see something suspicious near your vehicle, report it to the police.