Police were called to seven car break-in reports over the weekend between the Keystone and Castleton shopping areas.
Most of the break-ins occurred during the day on Saturday while shoppers were busy inside stores. Indianapolis had had 460 car break-ins this month alone.
The 86th/82nd Street corridor becomes a popular target for thieves around this time each year as holiday shopping season picks up.
Police have offered the following tips to help prevent yourself from becoming a victim:
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, including firearms
- Always make sure your vehicle’s doors are locked
- If possible, park in a garage and avoid parking on the street
- Install and use a car alarm system
- Don’t leave spare keys attached to the outside or hidden inside your vehicle
- Park in open, populated and well-lit areas
- Avoid parking near trucks, vans, dumpsters or other objects that limit visibility and provide hiding places
- When making a quick stop at a store or even when in your driveway, turn off the engine, roll up your windows, lock all doors and take your keys with you.
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