As Shopping Season Begins, ATPA Reminds Consumers to Include Theft Prevention on Their Holiday To-Do Lists

Lock It or Lose It! The PA Auto Theft Prevention Authority's Simple Tips Help Ensure a Safe and Happy Holiday Season for Pennsylvania Drivers

MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Nov. 21 -- On Friday, thousands of excited shoppers across Pennsylvania will head to shopping malls and big-box retailers to officially kick-off the holiday shopping season. Unfortunately, many of them will be too concerned with hunting for a bargain to worry about the thieves that could be hunting for their vehicles or newly purchased holiday treasures.

"Statistically, reported thefts rise during the last six months of the year, which is when most of us are doing our holiday shopping and errands," said Michelle Staton, executive director of the Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA). "But there are some very basic tips drivers can follow to prevent such thefts from happening to them. Sometimes just being alert and aware can make all the difference."

Staton says common-sense precautions often are overlooked during the busy shopping season, particularly when malls and parking lots are crowded and shoppers are in a hurry. Remembering to properly lock cars or secure purchases in a trunk may take a back seat to the shopping mission at hand. But consumers need to know this is a ripe time for thieves to strike. Thieves will look for the easiest car to break into - or the car with the biggest bounty on the back seat.

Here are some tips from the Auto Theft Prevention Authority to help shoppers protect their holiday purchases and their cars:

   -- Lock your vehicle, close all windows and sunroof, and take your keys.

   -- Don't leave gifts and other valuables in plain view. Don't throw
      shopping bags on the back seat. Items left in open view attract
      thieves. Lock purchases in the trunk of your car, or better yet, take
      them home before you go anywhere else.

   -- Don't leave car registration, credit card receipts from recent
      purchases or other important documents in your glove compartment.
      Finding these will make it easier for a thief to access your identity
      and account information.

   -- Never leave your car running unattended, even if it's only for a few
      minutes. Vehicles are commonly stolen at ATMs, convenience stores,
      etc.

   -- Always park in well-lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic, or
      when possible, park in attendant lots.

Additional auto theft prevention tips are available on the Auto Theft Prevention Authority's web site at http://www.watchyourcar.org/.