As we get closer to the brunt of winter, the Washington Police Department gives some advice to avoid being a victim of property theft.

Police Chief Jim Lester says it may be appealing to start your vehicle a few minutes before heading out on the road, or leave it running while performing errands during cold weather conditions, but he says to be careful if your vehicle is parked out in the open, “Most all of those things are situational awareness, know what’s happening around you if you do decide to warm up your car. Have a spare set of keys so you’re able to lock that vehicle while it’s outside running and things like that. Make sure it’s secure, don’t leave valuables in unlocked vehicles.”

If you’re also wary of porch pirates this time of year, Lester says that one way to help catch culprits is to register your property’s security cameras with the police department’s community camera program. The department also offers a vacation/house watch service for those who may be heading out of town for an extended amount of time. More information can be found here.