The Danville Police Department is offering holiday safety tips amid a recent uptick in motor vehicle thefts. The tips that the department has offered are listed below.
1. Always lock your car when you park it, and remove your keys.
2. Lock valuables in your trunk and do not leave personal ID cards, credits cards or weapons in the vehicle.
3. Never leave your vehicle running while unattended.
4. Install an anti-theft device that is highly visible, hard to defeat, and that renders the car undrivable.
5. Photocopy your registration and insurance card and keep them in your wallet – not in your glove compartment.
6. Park in a garage, if possible. If not possible, then park in a well-lit, heavily traveled area and close to cameras.
7. When parking at curbside, turn your wheels sharply into the curve, apply the emergency brake.
8. Do not hide spare keys or leave keys in the car and unsecured.
9. Do not give your full set of keys to a valet. Many vehicles now come with a valet key; use it.
10. Take valuables in from your vehicles at night.