HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Unfortunately, the holidays bring an increase in thefts and auto burglaries. Hutchinson police have some suggestions to prevent you from being a victim of these crimes.

Some of them include:

– Lock your vehicles at all times and don’t leave your valuables in them. This includes wallets, GPS, cell phones, purses, car keys and firearms.

– Make sure all doors on your residence are secured with at least a deadbolt even when you’re home.

– Have motion-detecting lights on the exterior of your residence so you can see who is approaching your house.

– Have a light by your front door so you can see who is at your door and have a peephole on your door that is accessible and wide enough for you to view the person at your door.

Some others that you might not think about include:

– Trim your shrubbery around the windows of your residence so your view isn’t obstructed. Don’t leave items in the yard overnight such as bicycles, lawn equipment and expensive items.

– If you are going away on an extended vacation, stop your mail and newspaper. Set your lights on a timer and set up a house check with the police department.

The department asks that you go back to the good old days where neighbors watch out for their neighbors. If you see something that is out of place, call 911.