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TACOMA, Wash. – ’tis the season for joy, cheer and car prowls. The number of car break-ins tends to spike during the holidays.

Unfortunately, a lot of people still give thieves plenty of incentive, leaving purses, electronics and anything they just bought out in plain sight for thieves to see.

You’ll see a more pronounced security presence at malls everywhere this season. The city of Tacoma’s Car Prowl Prevention Safe and Clean Team is passing out fliers at the Tacoma Mall today, reminding people how to make sure their cars are not attractive to thieves.

Tacoma Police Officer Loretta Cool says you should always lock valuables in the trunk of your car. Even then, she says you need to take yet another step. 

“I recommend you actually move your car to a different location,” said Cool. ”That way it looks like you’re leaving, versus leaving all your items for someone to come by and take.” 

Shopper Lexi Jones appreciates that advice especially after she and a friend locked packages in her friend’s car Friday morning.

“She was trying to put some stuff in the car and saw someone was kind of watching her. So, it’s cool they’re trying to tell everyone to be careful and what to do,” said Jones.

If you don’t have a trunk and you have to store something valuable in your car, Ofc. Cool advises you to make sure it’s hidden or covered. But  don’t cover it with a jacket. Cool says prowlers often break in specifically to steal jackets.

Also, don’t leave any change visible in your car.

“I’ve seen people smash a window to steal as little as 11 cents,” said Cool. After that, the car owner is usually left with a hefty repair bill.