During a police media briefing, Sioux Falls Police Information Officer Sam Clemens talked about car break-ins in the city.

"I think sometimes we're a little too trusting in Sioux Falls because the one thing we hear time and time again is people saying they've never had problems before. But, times are changing and a lot of people are out looking specifically for unlocked cars and taking anything from value from the vehicles."

Clemens says simply locking the doors will deter those who might just be waiting around for an easy target.

"They're not breaking windows. The thieves are just checking door handles. Once they find an open car, they're in and out in the matter of seconds."

According to some law enforcement agencies, up to a quarter of vehicle thefts are from unlocked cars. Even if you're running into the store for a Coke, that's too long to leave your vehicle's contents open for the taking. Simply locking the doors will deter those who might just be waiting around for an easy target.

Another tip from Clemens: conceal all the evidence! Don't leave any bait out for thieves; stow your electronics and accessories well out of sight or better yet, bring it with you. You also should get in the habit of putting shopping bags in the trunk right when you return to the vehicle. Clemens says thieves sometimes linger in busy parking lots looking for valuables being moved out of sight. Don't display to them what you have!

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