PHILIPSBURG – The Philipsburg-based state police announced a crime prevention initiative in which the public is urged to lock their vehicles and remove the keys when leaving them unattended.
“It should be done when leaving your car for a long period of time or even a short period of time,” Cpl. Joseph G. Cigich said in a press release from the state police Thursday.
Cigich indicated residents should be locking their vehicles whether parking in their driveway or at a shopping mall. Most times, he said it can prevent theft of items from inside the vehicle as well as theft of the vehicle itself.
In addition, Cigich said that firearms should never be left unattended in a vehicle when possible. Philipsburg-based state troopers have investigated several incidences in recent months where firearms have been removed from an unlocked vehicle.