Keeping your car safe from break-ins

CHARLESTON, SC-Tis the season for holiday shopping.

But while you’ll making your way to the stores, theives might be eying your car.

“It’s a target rich environment,“  explained Sgt Trevor Shelor, a crime prevention specialist with the City of Charleston Police Department. “Theres more hours of darkness. There are more people doing more things that make it more opportunity.“

Even if you are juggling a busy schedule, it’s important to remember two ways to keep your car safe.

1) Lock it

2) Leave it empty

“80 percent of car break-ins are due to unlocked doors. Items from your car can be stolen in 10-15 seconds.“

Ideally, you’d want to remove items from inside of your car and place them inside your home, your glove compartment, or the trunk. But if that’s not an option, Sgt Shelor says to place them on the side closest to the tinted windows, hidden under a blanket, or under under a seat. 

Also, park in busy areas.

You’ll be safer and so will your car.