How to protect valuables in your car this holiday season

DUNCANVILLE, Texas — It may startle somebody at first look – a paper that claims “citation” left on a car window.

But in barely smaller print the phrases, “Don’t Panic. I’m not real,” are clear.

Duncanville is among the many Texas police departments leaving pretend citations on automobiles to remind drivers not to go away valuables in sight.

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“We call them report cards,” stated Crime Prevention Officer Michelle Arias.

She patrols parking heaps and friends in automobiles to see what’s seen.

If nothing will be seen, the car passes.

But if a window left was down or valuables are in view, the car fails.

“If you cannot take it inside, then hide it,” Arias stated. “Don’t leave it out in plain sight.”

Arias stated criminals will make the most of any errors drivers make.

An unlocked door is an open invitation.

But even leaving one thing like a telephone charger cable or a coat inside view can entice a thief.

“They’ve learned all the tricks. Sometimes you take a sweater or jacket off and toss it in the back seat, but sometimes they’ll break a window to make entry to that vehicle to see if something is under there,” she stated.

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Arias took one have a look at our WFAA news automobile and instantly noticed issues.

A battery charger was on the dashboard, charging cables have been out by the gearshift, and a reporter’s laptop computer bag was on the passenger floorboard.

“All kinds of red flags,” Arias stated with fun.

Her greatest tip to forestall theft is to keep conscious, be good, and conceal the whole lot.

“Even if it’s just loose change that you left in there that somebody took, it’s still your personal property. And you feel violated because they’ve entered your personal vehicle.”