As we all know, the economy is in bad shape right now.  And whatever your belief is as to why it is in the shape it is, one thing is sure, we are all going to be affected.  How?  Gas and food prices are increasing, and people are losing their jobs.  And unfortunately, these increases also mean crime is on the increase.  Petty thefts and burglaries are rising as people seek ways to make a “quick buck”.  This means we must take additional steps to prevent us from becoming victims.  Here are just a few reminders of some of the things YOU can do to help reduce the chance of becoming a victim:

• Don’t leave items in your yard, front/back porch, or boat/trailer.  If it can be secured, secure it.  If it can be locked, lock it.
• Don’t leave valuable items in plain view in your vehicle.  If you are out, secure the items in your trunk.  If you are home, take them out of the car.  If you drive a pick-up truck, take items out of the truck’s bed.
• Close your garage door.  Even if you are inside the home, with the heat outside and the A/C running, you may not hear if someone is in your garage.
• Lock your car doors.  This may seem simple, but thieves, especially juveniles, look for open doors on vehicles.  They’ll “flip” door handles until they find one open, then enter the car and take the small change and other loose items.  Even when you are home, lock your car doors, especially at night.
• If you have an alarm on your home or vehicle, use it.  Even if you are “just running out” or “running in”, set the alarm.
• Don’t leave your car running at the convenience store to “run in” and make a quick purchase.  Not only is this a violation of some state statutes, it is also an opportunity for someone to steal your vehicle.
• Use motion activated lighting around the exterior of your residence.  Thieves do not want to be seen and lighting has proven to be one of the most effective deterrents.   Check them periodically to make sure they are correctly set.
• Lock your gas cap.  Ask your car dealer or stop into an auto supply store and purchase an inexpensive locking gas cap.  If you own a boat, get one for that too.  Siphoning gas from vehicles and vessels is on the rise.
• Engrave a serial number or unique identifying mark on your property. Record these numbers so that if the item(s) are ever taken, you can provide law enforcement with the identifying information to help with recovery.
• Be observant.  If you see something that you believe is suspicious, call the local law enforcement office or 911 immediately.  Do not engage a suspicious person.  Get as much detailed information as possible, then relay that to the dispatcher.

Now is the time to become proactive rather than reactive. Crime can happen anywhere, at any time. No one wants to be a victim of a crime, but unfortunately, it does happen. If we do the small things ahead of time and prepare ourselves, we can minimize the opportunity for crime to occur.