As the weather warms, crimes such as theft from auto and home burglary may increase. The best way to deter someone from stealing items out of a vehicle or house is to keep valuables out of plain sight and lock all doors and windows – including overhead garage doors.

The Plymouth Police Department offers the following tips to avoid becoming the victim of a crime.

Prevent Theft from Auto:

• Keep shopping bags and purchased items out of sight or in the trunk
• Hide keys, phones, wallets, purses or any other valuables in the trunk or out of sight 
• If you plan to leave items in the trunk, hide them before you leave for your next destination or pull over before you arrive so that no one watches you hide them in the trunk 
• Lock the doors – it seems obvious, but most thefts are from unlocked vehicles

“Many criminals are opportunists,” said Plymouth Police Captain Jeff Swiatkiewicz. “If a vehicle is unlocked with valuables sitting in plain sight, someone may steal them.”

Prevent Home Burglaries:

• Make sure that doors, windows and overhead garages are locked and secure
• Lock service doors outside of garages 
• Keep pricey electronics and other valuables out of window eyesight from passersby 
• Secure sliding patio doors and windows 
• Don’t leave a spare key outside 
• Get to know your neighbors – and call 911 to report suspicious activity

“Many home burglaries are related to residents leaving their garage doors open at night with valuables in plain sight,” said Swiatkiewicz. “We want to remind residents that the easiest way to prevent theft is to make sure their doors and windows are locked.”