JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson Police Department is reporting that there’s been a recent uptick in automobile burglaries, here’s some advice on how you can keep your items safe.

“If you can’t replace it at the gas station, don’t leave it in your car unattended. That applies to electronics and your purse and whatever money — that kind of thing. The other thing is firearms, that’s the biggest problem,” said Lieutenant Phillip Stanfield, commander of the General Investigation Unit for JPD.

These burglaries are not at a targeted location. Cars that may be targeted are in parking lots, apartment complexes, and neighborhoods.

“The way most automobile burglaries work, they only last a few minutes. Somewhere between one and five. Sometimes they enter your car by breaking the glass and sometimes the cars are unlocked. So we ask that you lock your car because it slows things down a little bit,” said Lt. Stanfield.

To lower the risk of your car being targeted, park around more cars and park under street lights. Also for those who are holiday shopping, shop in groups.

“Criminals profile victims. So they see a car with a bunch of guns stickers on it, big tires, a little mud on it, that kind of thing. It leaves you to believe it might be a firearm in the truck, same thing with an expensive car. People have the resources to buy an expensive car, so they’re more likely to have something in the car,” said Lt. Stanfield.

Never leave valuable items inside of your car, especially your guns.

“A lot of criminals are arming themselves with the the guns they steal out of citizens cars. So you can help us by keeping your guns either with you, on you, or securing them in the house when you’re not at work,” said Lt. Stanfield.

And for those who may shop online, make sure your items are secured when being delivered.

“If it’s something that’s really valuable, have that delivered to the UPS store or to an Amazon drop box. You can find that through a delivery site and it’s a more secure location and you have to have a code to get into it,” said Lt. Stanfield.

If you must leave your gun in your car, purchase a gun lock and place it where it can’t be seen through a window.

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