LAPD Urges Shoppers To 'Lock It, Hide It, Keep It' To Deter Theft

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — With the holidays rapidly approaching and the weekend following Thanksgiving being one of the busiest shopping times of the year, the LAPD wants to remind shoppers to take a few simple steps to protect their valuables.

Busy customers can forget to lock their car doors or may leave packages and valuables in plain sight. These seemingly minor indiscretions can provide an easy target for thieves and may prove to be a costly mistake.

Authorities said owners of American-made sport utility vehicles should be award of a spat of thefts of removable third row seats. The seats have become a lucrative target for thieves.

Safety experts suggest adding a simple lock to deter theft.