Tis The Season To Lock Your Doors!

Holiday shopping and vacations bring out the worst in some people, so remember to lock your doors, both

Bangor Police made an arrest last week of a man who allegedly had been burglarizing cars. This is pretty common this time of year, as folks who forget to lock their car doors may leave behind packages, gift cards, or even credit cards. So make a mental note to lock your doors every time  you get out of your car. Even if you're just running into a convenience store to grab a cup of coffee, hit that button and keep your stuff safe.

In addition, remember that your trunk is a great place to put your bags and packages, rather than storing them in the back seat. This is where 'out of sight-out of mind' comes into play. If the thieves don't see the bags in your car, they're less apt to bother with rifling through. But remember, even if the goodies are in the trunk, you still need to lock the doors because your car probably has a trunk release right next to your seat.

Don't leave valuables in your car overnight, including laptops, iPods, and cell phones. Thieves will look for these sorts of electronics so, again, lock them in your trunk or take them inside for the  night. Same goes for your wallet, purse, cash, and anything else that could be taken. And lock the doors to your home, even when you're there, because a trend that's started in recent years involves 'opportunity thieves' who will check house doors and, if they're unlocked, step inside and steal whatever they can grab quickly.

One last reminder - Lots of us are shopping online and expecting packages delivered to our homes. But there are thieves who will steal the package off your doorstep or out of your mailbox. If possible, have the purchases delivered to your workplace, where you can take possession of it immediately. Stay safe and have a Happy Holiday season!