DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Car theft has been consistent through recent years, and local police officers say it is a preventable crime. There are small, yet effective habits drivers can do to avoid becoming the next victim.
 
Sergeant Flannery of the Macon County Sheriff's Department said break-ins happen multiple times per day. 
 
"Don't leave your valuables in the car. If you have a laptop and you put it in the back seat, they're going to take it," Flannery said. 
 
Decatur Police Chief Brad Allen said car thieves usually do not shatter windows. Instead, their method is quick grabs they see from outside, which is why you should hide your valuables. Items such as change, electronics, or even sealed boxes are recommended to be locked in the trunk.
 
Allen wants drivers to follow a checklist before leaving their car outside.  
 
"Lock your cars, park your cars in your driveway or garage, park your cars in lighted areas," Allen said.
 
Local officers say Ring cameras are very helpful in preventing or solving this crime. Both the Macon County Sheriff's Office and DPD have a database of Ring cameras that residents chose to register.
 
"If there is something that happens in a certain neighborhood, we find out there are three different Ring cameras that help out tremendously," Flannery said. 
 
Law enforcement says if you do not want it stolen, do not leave it in your car. Most importantly, if your car has been broken into, do not touch the vehicle and call the police. Touching the vehicle can ruin the chance of them collecting fingerprints. 
 
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