ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. \u2013 Altamonte Springs police department is working from now through the end of December to reduce car break-ins during the holiday season. <\/p>\n
The annual initiative, Project Safe Car, aims to reduce car break-ins and thefts, which tend to increase during this time of year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese do happen year-round, but it\u2019s an increase during the holidays. So that\u2019s where we want to make the awareness and let people know to be more vigilant and also call us if they see something, say something,\u201d Altamonte Springs Public Information Officer Deana DiPaola explained.<\/p>\n
[WATCH BELOW: Fire displaces 20 at The Edge at Lake Lotus apartments in Altamonte Springs]<\/p>\n
Officers will be placing flyers on vehicles that appear to have valuables inside, warning of potential crimes of opportunity. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we do is we go out to our local businesses, and we put cards on cars that we find could have something in it, that a crime of opportunity could happen,\u201d DiPaola said.<\/p>\n
Thieves often target electronics, purses, wallets and shopping bags left in vehicles. <\/p>\n
\u201cBe mindful of the streetlights. Try to park your car where there are streetlights if it\u2019s dark out. Be aware of your surroundings, but also your packages. If you\u2019re not able to take them with you, put them in the trunk or conceal them under something,\u201d DiPaola said.<\/p>\n
Nick Fitzpatrick, who works at the Altamonte Springs Mall, has witnessed these crimes firsthand. <\/p>\n
[WATCH BELOW: Naked child found running at on-ramp to I-4 in Altamonte Springs]<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, a lot of times. Usually, my shifts and like at night, so I always park in the back here, and then we hear a lot of incidents happen,\u201d he told News 6.<\/p>\n
Fitzpatrick admits he sometimes forgets to lock his car, making the police reminders especially helpful. <\/p>\n
\u201cI always just assume that nothing will happen. But when you assume something is not going to happen, it sometimes happens. Unfortunately,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The department is also partnering with the mall during the holiday season and will have an increased police presence to ensure shoppers\u2019 safety. <\/p>\n
\u201cMall security is always out driving around. If someone misses their car, they don\u2019t know where it is. You can reach out to them. They will find the vehicle, but we also partner in regard to that. So with these cards, you are going to see an increased presence with law enforcement driving around and putting these on cars, but also making sure everyone feels safe,\u201d DiPaola said.<\/p>\n
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