FROM STAFF REPORTS

COLUMBIANA — The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has launched its “Lock It. Hide It. Keep It.” campaign to remind the public that the holiday season is a busy time for everyone, including thieves.

The three-step campaign goes as follows:

• Lock It: Lock your vehicle every time you leave it unattended and always lock your valuables in the trunk.
•  Hide It: If you don’t have a trunk, hide valuables under the seats, in the glove box or other compartments within the vehicle.
•  Keep It: Personal responsibility is the best prevention to safeguard personal property and to prevent becoming a victim.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office plans to visit local neighborhood associations and apartments complexes to spread the word. “Lock It. Hide It. Keep It.” was first launched by the Los Angeles Police Department in 2010.

“Our greatest resource in keeping our communities safe is the partnership we have with our citizens,” Sheriff Chris Curry said. “It is my hope that this effort will remind our residents to be watchful and safeguard their valuables, which I suspect will have a negative impact on property crimes involving vehicles.”