Call it a holiday plea for some “situational awareness.” Black Friday shoppers should guard against theft, because winter weather and holiday shopping bring opportunities for thieves. “We’ll see an increase with the colder weather of people starting up their cars to warm them up, leave them unattended, and someone provided that opportunity will take off with their vehicle.” says Janesville Police Department Sergeant Brian Donohoue.
Donanue’s words of caution hold true for Black Friday shoppers. “Sometimes we get distracted during the holiday season, and we forget about locking our car. We keep packages and such in plain view, which offers the opportunity for people to steal things,” he says, adding that police usually see an increase in thefts during the holiday season. “If you do have packages or you do have valuables, but them in the trunk or take them out of the vehicle. People do to take the opportunity, if they see something they like, to get into the vehicles.”
Bob Hague (:40) AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:40 MP3)
Audio Beth Wheelock, WCLO
