Santa Cruz Police urging caution this holiday season

For many of us, it’s time to get into the holiday spirit. And for thieves and burglars, it’s time for them to get into your car.

Santa Cruz Police are reminding residents to keep valuables hidden or locked up in the trunk.

“Christmas seems to be a stealing time of year,” says Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills.

As many start to buy presents to put under the tree, criminals are looking for their share inside people’s cars. Every year around this time, police say thieves and burglars come out like clockwork.

“You should be able to leave anything you want inside the car; it should be there when you get back. But that’s not the society we live in,” says Mills.

A parking lot surveillance video from last week caught a burglar on the prowl, who seems to have liked what’s inside a car and tried to open the door. Santa Cruz Police say a property manager turned in the video after a report of a smashed car window.

And before the city sees its spike this year, Mills is reminding the community of these three simple steps.

“Hide it, lock it, keep it.”

Those who are out shopping need to watch out, and with the sun setting much earlier, Chief Mills says cars parked on residential streets can be targets, too.

“What we really suggest people do is maybe set their alarm clock every night at 9 o’clock and go back outside and make sure their vehicle is locked and the stuff is taken out of the car.”

Mills says you should call the police department or 911 if your car is broken into.