With a recent increase in vehicle burglaries, local police departments remind citizens to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving valuables in the view of pedestrians.

Recently thieves have focused on property in vehicles parked in public locations such as movie theaters, gyms and shopping malls. As temperatures go up, drivers often leave vehicle windows down, which allows thieves easy access and opportunities to steal personal property.

Always lock your vehicle when leaving it––even for short periods of time.

At home, don’t leave windows and doors open when going to bed at night. Also close and lock your garage door.

When going on vacation, use the following tips:

•Make sure all door and window locks are working.

•Put lights and/or radios on timers.

•Don’t leave ladders or toys around the yard. They could be used to gain access to secondstory windows.

•Stop mail and newspaper delivery while away.

•Call the police department for a vacation check while away.

•Start a Neighborhood Watch program.