By: Tamara Gibbs, Reporter
Police say some thieves canvass parking lots in search of unlocked doors. Eyewitness News cameras spotted plenty of vehicles with items in plain view at shopping centers in Raleigh.
Some shoppers say they take safety precautions including placing gift bags in their trunks. Police say personal information left in vehicles requires the same care. Our cameras caught some cars with seemingly harmless junk mail in the front seat. Authorities say that's not the best way to protect your personal information including driver's licenses, social security numbers or home addresses. Some shoppers say they try to hide documents or other personal information that might be inside their car. Safety experts recommend placing those items in a pocket, purse or wallet or leave them at home. Police say the most common form of identity theft resulting from a smash and grab is credit card fraud.
The Raleigh Police Department and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance have teamed to stop car thieves this holiday season. The new Lock,Take and Hide program features dozens of signs throughout the city to remind drivers and holiday shoppers to put safety first.
"We're asking people to form that habit," says Sughrue. "We want people to remember to lock their cars, take their keys and look around. If there's anything that is valuable then put it out of sight."
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