Locking Up And Being Smart Is The Best Way To Stay Safe 

CCSO wants to remind you how you can keep from becoming a victim of a car burglary while you're out shopping.

Throughout the season, we'll have strings of car burglaries and we want to make sure you know how to keep your belongings safe.

Many people leave their valuables in their car and if a burglar can see it, you have just become a target for crime. It only takes seconds for that purse or wallet or cell phone to be stolen and then credit cards and cash used. You can even have your identity stolen.

CCSO is working with the community to remind you to lock it up.

Here are some tips how to keep thieves out of your car:

- Putting your purse behind the front seat or putting a wallet in your console isn’t hiding it from thieves. 

- Don’t leave your valuables in plain view. 

- Only take what you need, whether it’s cash or a wallet. Leave the rest at home.

- Set your car alarm if you have one.

Remember: Lock it up and take it with you.