SEATTLE — While shoppers lined up for hours outside stores opening Thanksgiving Day, security staff and police monitored the parking lots for thieves targeting cars.
Police told KIRO 7 a break-in can happen in 30 seconds and that thieves are looking through car windows to see what’s inside.
Here’s a list of tips from the Lynnwood Police Department:
-Use a garage, secure location or valet service whenever possible.
-Park in well-lit areas.
-Avoid isolated areas.
-Secure the trunk, hatches, bed-mounted tool boxes, and canopies.
-If you have a removable car stereo, remove it.
-Install anti-theft devices.
-Don’t leave packages or bags on the floor or seats of your car.
-If you take packages to your car and want to go back into the stores, move your car or take your items home.
-Don’t let people see you stow things in the trunk. Most newer vehicles have a trunk release inside the car, so a thief could still break a window and open your trunk.
KIRO 7 found statistics from Seattle police, showing the 300 block of NE Northgate Way has been one of the top targets for car prowls in the last 20 years.
At Best Buy at Northgate Mall, a line of people waiting for the store to open at 5 p.m. said they had no idea the area was a frequent spot for car break-ins.
“I haven't had any trouble yet,” said Simon Xu, who was third in line.
The first person in line arrived at midnight Thursday, anticipating the store to open at 5p.m. Thanksgiving Day.
“Let's just say I have some friends that are going to bring the dinner here,” Xu said.
Xu and several others told KIRO 7 they were there to get a 50” Panasonic TV on sale for $199.
Xu said he’ll be making other stops after getting his TV, but he’ll bring the TV home first so as not to make his car a target for thieves while it’s parked at a different store.
Another shopper said he wasn’t worried: “I have tinted windows.”
But police said that may not be enough to stop someone from taking a good look inside.
Demecca Allen said she could just imagine “we come back and our windows are broken or something.” She said she would try to hide items in her car as she makes other shopping stops Thanksgiving night.
KIRO
