Holiday Vehicle Thieves on the Rise -- How To Protect Yourself - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Holiday Vehicle Thieves on the Rise -- How To Protect Yourself

Posted: Updated:
By Jessie Gavin, Digital Journalist - email
RALEIGH COUNTY -

This time of year, you are hitting the stores and looking for those good deals for your loved ones.

Once you hit the next store, do you throw your packages in the car and move on?

Well, you may want to be careful where you put them. Police are suggesting that everyone think twice before heading out for their holiday shopping destinations.

"We get a lot more calls during this time of year as far as thefts and things of that nature. People work hard for the things that they have and its just really sad that some people prey upon taking items from people," said A. B. Palmer, Bluefield Police Patrolman.

One of the top items stolen from vehicles this time of year are purses, electronics and presents. 59 News Reporter Jessie Gavin spoke with a policeman and we walked around this parking lot to try to figure out why crime is so high this time of year.

"Due to the items out there for the people to take. I mean, there's so much more stuff that's going to be new that they could get to where it wouldn't be something that would be used that they could get as a gift or money or something like that."

Palmer demonstrates for 59 News which cars would be safe from thieves and which ones would not.

"Okay there's some wiring right here in this vehicle. Possibly a navigation system or some type of iPod maybe. That's exposed in this vehicle. Little things like that."

He explains what's best to do with these items.

"You can put it in concealed areas that's not visible. Also locking your vehicle, that's a big TO DO during this season as well. you may not have anything exposed but if you're vehicle is unlocked, they can get to the items you have in the trunk then get all the items you have in the back as well, so its important to keep it locked."

He points out that even if you're vehicle is locked, you aren't completely safe from thieves.

"I see new items in this vehicle. Its locked. This car is locked as well. But just because the car is locked does not mean the items wont be stolen. Windows get broken, it could be a smash and grab type thing."