Crime & Safety

Avoid Car, Home Burglaries During the Holidays

Santa's not the only one making a list and checking it twice. Glendale Police offer tips on how to stay safe during the season of giving.

The Glendale Police Department wants Montrose locals to start checking off safety measures the same way Santa would.

in Montrose and La Crescenta. A 9-year-old boy was left victim when .

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Here are several ways to avoid car burglaries, stay aware and prevent home burglaries

"Bags full of newly purchased items in the backseat of your sled are an invitation to car burglars," according to police. "If you are going to enjoy one of the many great shopping spots in Glendale this holiday season, do not give car burglars a reason to assume your car has valuables inside."

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Police suggest keeping 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. 

"Car burglars do not target specific cars or people, but leaving a tempting item in plain sight, or demonstrating where those hiding spots may be, is a serious mistake," according to police. 

Stay Aware In and Out of the Car

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. 

"Walk to the car looking alert, do not talk on your phone or search for keys because those distractions make it easier for someone to catch you off guard," police said. 

Keep Your Home Secure

"And with all those exciting gifts now tucked neatly under the tree, remember to keep your home secure as well," police said. 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," police said. 


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