It’s that holiday time of year when shoppers are out in numbers with arms full of packages and minds full of things to do. Unfortunately, the more opportunistic and larcenous among us know this and are out in force too. Be careful to make sure your cars are locked up tight and packages safely out of sight in the trunk or under the rear deck tonneau cover, beyond prying eyes and sticky fingers.
In Colorado, when local law enforcement mentions HEAT, it’s about their ongoing efforts to interdict drunken driving with the slogan blazoned across the highway’s digital signs, “The HEAT is ON!”
In other states, like Arizona and Michigan, HEAT is an acronym that stands for Help End Auto Theft, and though it’s also a good idea to not drive drunk, getting your car or its contents stolen is no picnic either.
"The holidays are a joyous time of year filled with family gatherings and gift giving," said Terri Miller, director of Michigan H.E.A.T. "But, with overflowing parking lots and vehicles filled to the brim with purchases, the holidays are also a dream for car thieves."
So we’d like to remind you of the following guidelines to Holiday Safety thanks to the Michigan H.E.A.T. program.
• Keep Alert. While walking to your car, be observant of your surroundings. Talking or texting on cell phones, digging for keys or juggling packages is a distraction, which makes you an easy target.
• Park in well-lit areas. Avoid shopping alone after dark if possible and it’s not a good idea to park near objects blocking the view of your surroundings like dumpsters, bushes, large vans or trucks.
• Put stuff away. Lock valuables and purchases in the trunk out of view. Before leaving your car, make sure anything of value is out of sight.
• Project confidence. Remember where you parked your car. Walk directly to your car without wandering around the lot. Walk confidently and purposefully.
• Move your car. If you take purchases back to your car during a shopping trip, move to another area, even if you have to give up a great spot. A thief may have been watching you unload your purchases and then return to shop, tempting an opportunistic break-in.
• Carjacked? GIVE UP THE CAR. DON'T RESIST OR ARGUE. Your life is worth more than your vehicle, and most carjackings involve a weapon.
• Report Violators. If you witness an auto theft or carjacking, call the police immediately. If you have any information regarding auto theft, insurance fraud or carjacking, call Denver Crimestoppers at 720-913-7867.
Be safe, sound and enjoy the holidays!!!
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