Lock it or lose it, Sheriff advises

The Georgetown County Sheriff is reintroducing an awareness campaign called “Lock-It or Lose-It” for this summer. This is due to a rise in thefts from unlocked vehicles as tourist season gets underway.
The question is, “Could thefts have been reduced if the doors were locked?” Trends in breaking into motor vehicles reveal offenders prefer unlocked cars because they are an easier target. The sheriff’s Office found that 76 percent of break-ins have occurred in unlocked vehicles so far this year. Thousands of dollars in currency, electronics and other valuables, including 17 weapons, have been reported stolen from vehicles.
The sheriff asks everyone to secure valuables outside their vehicles when possible.
Listed below are a few simple suggestions that can be used to discourage a thief from breaking into your vehicle:
• Lock your doors! If a thief is on a mission, he/she is far more likely to try his luck elsewhere if your doors are locked.
• If possible, remove all valuables; thieves will search for other vehicles that are easier targets if they do not see anything of value in your car. If you choose not to remove valuables from your vehicle, conceal them from view by securing them in a glove box, center console, or, even better, in the trunk.
• Be aware of where you park your vehicle. If it is during daylight hours, park it where it is constantly being seen by somebody. Don’t try to hide it because the place you may choose will be a perfect location for a break-in. During the night, if possible, park in an area with a lot of light; light is an enemy of thieves.