FLORENCE-The Florence Police Department made this statement concerning keeping your belongings and car safe. This is especially valid during the upcoming Holiday Season.
“The Florence Police Department has adopted the TAKE IT OR TRUNK IT program. This program encourages you to HIDE/TAKE your belongings, LOCK your car, and TAKE your keys. There are steps you can take to keep your car and belongings safe.
The Florence Police Department is serious about crime prevention. One of the ways you can be involved is by participating in the TAKE IT OR TRUNK IT Program. Always LOCK your car, even in your driveway. If you have to leave your belongings in your car, remember to always HIDE them. Never leave your car running unattended or your keys in the ignition (TAKE YOUR KEYS).
If you own or manage a business, apartment complex, or shopping center you can participate by posting program stickers on your property, especially at the entrances. The stickers are free of charge and will be given out during the shopping holidays at select locations. Stickers can be picked up at the Florence Police Department.
For more information or to participate in the local TAKE IT OR TRUNK IT Auto Theft and Burglary prevention program contact Officer Ricky Sharp at 256-760-6585.
Burglary of Motor Vehicle Prevention:
• Always lock your vehicle and close all windows.
• Keep all valuables and packages out of sight. Leaving valuables in plain view provides a tempting target.
• The most effective way to prevent becoming a victim of burglary to a motor vehicle is to make sure anything that might tempt a criminal is secured in the trunk.
• Don’t place your property in the trunk at the time you park and leave the vehicle. Thieves observing this action will enter your car and open the trunk to steal the property.
• Activate the alarm system.
• Always park in well-lighted areas and be familiar with your surroundings. Over 25% of all stolen vehicles had the keys left in the vehicle (Always take your keys).
• Do not exit your vehicle leaving it running (review your insurance policy).
• Don’t hide spare keys in or under the vehicle.
• Use anti-theft devices; such as a steering wheel lock, electronic alarm, an ignition kill-switch, gas cap lock, window VIN etching and a vehicle tracking device all protect your vehicle and deter vehicle theft.
• Document the serial numbers on all your property and/or etch some type of identifying information on the property to help locate and identify in case of theft.
• Report all burglary and theft offenses to the police department.
• Be especially alert of activity and people in parking areas and report suspicious activity to the Florence Police Department at 256-760-6610 or dial 911 for emergencies.”
