Local law enforcement says there are small things you can do to protect yourself from theft.
CARTERVILLE, Ill. (WSIL)-- With the holiday season here more and more people are out shopping for gifts.Â
Local law enforcement says there are small things you can do to protect yourself from theft.
As people start shopping for deals and gifts, they may attract unwanted attention. Â
Rasheta Fateen says she's heard some stories from people who have had things stolen.Â
“I know one person said that they left the car unlocked, but then someone came and took it, and basically damaged it. And now they have to get it fixed,â€� Fateen said.Â
Sergeant Tyler Rowe with Sikeston, Missouri Public Safety Department says locking your doors is one of many things you can do to prevent an easy theft.
“Take your keys with you,� Sergeant Rowe says. “Don't leave valuables. If you're going to be doing your Black Friday shopping or your Christmas shopping, bring maybe a blanket or put things in the trunk instead of leaving it in the backseat where it's visible.�
Rowe says that adding motion sensor lights and a doorbell camera are simple preventative measures people can take at home.
“If you don't have access to that, make sure you turn on outside exterior lights or park underneath the streetlight where your car is in a well-lit area. That kind of goes for shopping at night as well,� Rowe said.
Rowe says people can also get a post office box if they cannot be home for deliveries. He says people should make sure they don't announce when they are planning to go on vacation.
“Just making sure you're kind of watching your surroundings and being safe yourself,� Rowe said.
Sergeant Rowe says people in Sikeston can reach out to be added to their residence watch list if they are heading on vacation. People in other towns can call their local police departments to see if they have similar programs.
