As the holiday season envelops the city with cheer and the clamor of shopping deals, the El Paso Police Department is stepping in with advice to keep residents safe during their gift-hunting excursions. According to the City of El Paso, there are a handful of straightforward steps that could deter would-be thieves and boost security for El Paso shoppers.
It starts with being mindful about where you leave your car. The El Paso Police Department recommends finding a spot "as close as you can to the store entrance and under a light, if it’s dark," as stated in their press release. Shoppers should also make a mental note of landmarks to locate their vehicle upon return and stay clear of parking adjacent to large vans or SUVs, which can serve as cover for thieves.
Another crucial step is to lock up before walking away. A significant number of thefts occur simply because a car was left unlocked. The advice is clear, "Double check to make sure you close the windows and lock all the doors before leaving the car. And don’t forget the sunroof." The police department also warns against leaving any item that might pique a thief's interest in plain sight, such as packages or electronics. Instead, hiding them away or locking them in the trunk is the safer bet.
Moreover, El Paso PD emphasizes the importance of movement and focus. If you've got a car full of purchases and need to drop them off before continuing your shopping spree, it's wise to move your car to a different parking space once you return to the store, "Criminals may be watching and know you won’t be back for a while." While making your way to and from the car, it's recommended to stay off the phone, walk with purpose, and keep your keys in hand for quick entry.
In a move to provide tangible aid, the El Paso Police Department has also announced it will provide Steering Wheel Locks free of charge to Hyundai/Kia owners at all Regional Commands, while supplies last. The extra layer of security aims to deter auto theft, which can spike during the holiday seasons as thieves capitalize on the increased number of vehicles stuffed with goods.
