Although parking lots are targeted locations for the theft of valuables from a vehicle, or theft of a vehicle itself, a little planning may prevent such events from occurring. Rich Matthews, director, security services, shares these tips to keep your possessions safe:

• Many parking lot thefts occur because drivers neglect to do the simplest task: lock the car and close the windows. Before leaving your vehicle, take time to double-check that your car is not an easy target. When leaving your vehicle, be certain your windows are rolled up and your doors are locked.
• Hide valuables such as purses, GPS devices, cell phones, laptops, and iPads out of sight in the glovebox, center console, or trunk.
• If your GPS is mounted to your windshield, pull it off and try to clean off the suction marks so that thieves don’t break into the car looking for it. Don’t leave the GPS cable, because they may think you’re simply putting the device away in your glove box or center console.
• If you see someone zig zagging through parking lots looking into cars, they are likely doing it for one reason. Please help keep yourself and your fellow team members safe by reporting suspicious activity to security services.

Team members can contact security services by calling 269.983.8144 or the 24/7 charge officer at 269.921.2919. The main switchboard operator can also help contact security services via radio.