It's the holiday season and while many are out shopping for the perfect gift, thieves are also looking for easy targets.
Sarnia police are reminding people to stay vigilant while out and about or if you're away for the holidays.
Staff Sgt. Ivan Skinn said never leave valuables in plain view inside of your vehicle.
"Don't leave shopping bags, electronics or other items visible in your car. You need to store them in your trunk or take them inside or at the very least, keep them out of view," he said.
Skinn also recommends not leaving gifts in your car overnight and to be careful with using remote starters.
"Simple things like locking your car doors every time, even if it's a short period of time. Thieves are out this time of year, so the likelihood that somebody's going to pass by while your car is unlocked during that short duration is a lot higher," he said.
According to Skinn, there is often an increase in thefts around this time of year.
Additionally, many people during the holidays travel to see family and friends.
Skinn said it's important to make your home look occupied while you are away.
"Use timers to turn on lights, have a neighbour come by and shovel the snow. Obviously a house that looks unoccupied is going to attract attention," he said.
Skinn said it's also important to not display gifts in windows.
"A Christmas tree [in the window] looks nice but it's also a homing beacon for thieves," he said. "If you have a nice big Christmas tree in your front window it's common sense there's a lot of gifts underneath that tree," he said.
Skinn said if you're travelling, be careful what you post to social media and maybe consider investing in a security system.
"[Sarnia police] are seeing people's security systems are helping us track down thieves when people have been victimized and they're also a great deterrent," Skinn said.