Police stress car safety during holiday season

FRUITLAND, Md. – A lot of us are out and about, shopping for the holidays.

As you’re going store to store, the Fruitland Police Department wants you to be mindful of what you’re leaving in your car. Things like electronics, clothes, jewelry and other expensive gifts can attract the attention of potential car thieves.

Sergeant Butch Mills said keeping gifts in your trunk or under seats are an easy way to ward off a crime of opportunity.

“Make sure you try to pick the most well-lit area, try to avoid parking to the side or the back of the stores, where there may not be cameras, making sure that your vehicle is locked, and when you go into the store, don’t have any of those gifts or purses sitting in plain view,” Sgt. Mills said. “They don’t care if they break your window, they just see valuables and they’re going to go after them.”