A recent study of property crimes, including home and vehicle burglaries, showed nearly half of the events involved unlocked doors or car drivers who left valuables in plain view without locking their doors. Many of these crimes, and the resulting losses to the victims, can be prevented with some simple, common sense actions on the part of all of us.

Here are a few crime prevention tips to help keep us from becoming the victim of a burglary or theft:

• Not every car burglar working a parking lot is easily spotted. Be wary of anyone who seems to be suspicious.
• Remember to always secure your car doors when parking your vehicle, even for just a few minutes. It takes just a matter of seconds to enter an unsecured vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables, such as purses, cell phones, portable radios, packages, etc. in plain view inside your vehicle. Secure them in a glove box, center console, or even better in the trunk. Thieves will search other vehicles that are easier targets if they do not see anything of value in your car.
• Park in well lighted areas at night. Light is an enemy of thieves.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked at night. Many burglaries to garages occur with doors left wide open. An open garage door is an invitation to a thief to take anything in sight.
• Be suspicious of anyone approaching your vehicle or roaming your neighborhood.

Call the Guilford County Sheriff's Office, or Guilford Metro 9-1-1 Communications at (336) 373-2222 to report anyone you believe is suspicious in your neighborhood or a parking lot.