You should keep these things in mind as winter approaches

Lafayette Police are reminding people of a few things as we head into a dark and cold winter.

Good morning, marlee.

We are talking about things we hear every year and that's making sure your cars are locked and you aren't leaving valuables in your vehicle.

Sergeant ian o'shields says while the department normally sees an influx of car break-ins during the summer the winter is no different when it comes to safety.

He said people shouldn't let their guards down because it's getting colder.

O'shields says the department has already had a few reports of cars being broken into.

He says the things that are being reported stolen right now are credit cards and guns.

"they are not going shopping.

They are stealing credit cards and they are immediately going into the stores they are going and buying large gift cards, you know, gift cards with one- hundred and two- hundred, three, four- hundred dollars on it and they are buying multiple of them."

You are probably thinking, "who would leave their credit card in their car?"

Not that any one would intentionally but it could be as simple as it dropping in your car without your notice or you picked it up to use in a drive thru, laid it down and forgot.

O'shields says it's also not a bad idea to start keeping things in your car you may need in an emergency during the winter.

Alright look at this, we all know what this is.

Sergeant ian o'shields also wants people to remember porch pirates.

He says with people quarantining and buying a bulk of their christmas gifts online this year porch pirates could be out more than normal.

O'shields says this isn't a common occurrence for the department but like many things it's possible, especially this year.

"there's a lot of packages being delivered just again be smart about it, have a plan or have someone else receive it for you."

O'shields says it's also not a bad idea to have a plan with your neighbors.

Having them look out for your things when you're gone and vice versa.

Now all of that is information many of us hear often but it's always nice to have that reminder.

You can find a link to lafayette's online crime reporting as well as west lafayette's linked to this story on our website that's wlfi dot com.

In studio, marvin bills, news