Austin Police offer stocking full of holiday safety tips

AUSTIN, Texas — With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, the Austin Police Department has offered up a list of tips to keep you and your family safe, whether you're out at the mall or taking a trip to visit family.

Protect your vehicle and all those gifts you worked so hard shopping for with the following tips:

• It takes seconds to steal a car when it is left running. Turn off your vehicle, lock your doors, roll up and windows and take your keys with you – no matter how quickly you’ll be returning.
• Set your vehicle alarm whenever you’re away from it. Hint: just because you hear a beep when you press your key fob does not mean an alarm will automatically sound if your vehicle is breached. Make sure you understand the security system features for your make and model.
• Leaving valuables visible in your car is an open invitation to a holiday Grinch eager to steal from you. Take along your belongings or place them in the trunk before arriving at your next destination. Theft is a crime of opportunity and thieves are always watching for their chance.
• Record serial numbers to make recovery of your property easier in the event that you do become a victim.
• If you notice suspicious activity in a parking lot, a shopping center or in your neighborhood, report it immediately to 9-1-1.

APD warns that criminals will take notice of all your home holiday spirit, and offers these common sense tips to keep thieves away:

• Lock doors and windows whenever you leave the house.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or family member to watch your home and pick up your newspapers and mail if you’re going to be away for an extended period.
• Place indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer – the more light, the less likely criminals are to try and burglarize your home.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Hide holiday gifts from view – make a family game of it by looking through the windows and doors of your home. If you can see the presents, so can would-be thieves.
• Leave a note asking package carriers (UPS, Fed Ex, USPS, etc.) not to leave packages on your door step. Instead request that they leave a notice so you can pick up packages from their facility.