Press Release - Sheriff A. Lane Cribb is reintroducing an awareness campaign called "Lock-It or Lose-It". The Georgetown County Sheriff's Office Sheriff A. Lane Cribb is reintroducing an awareness campaign called "Lock-It or Lose-It". The Georgetown County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Cribb would like to make everyone aware of the rise in thefts from vehicles. After the Sheriff's Office evaluated the 2011 breaking into motor vehicle reports, it was discovered that 59% of the reports were from victims leaving their vehicles unlocked.

In 2010, there were 330 reports filed with the Sheriff's Office for breaking into motor vehicles. Of that total, 56% were unlocked. In the first six months of 2011, there have been 239 thefts from a motor vehicle. Out of the 239, 141 were unlocked. If this current trend continues, the County will surpass the total number of vehicle break-ins for 2010. The question is, "Could thefts have been reduced if the doors were locked?" Trends in breaking into motor vehicles reveal offenders prefer unlocked cars because they are an easier target and if a car is locked a valuable was in eyesight.

Sheriff Cribb said, "During this campaign I would like to encourage the citizens and visitors of Georgetown County to be more cautious when leaving their vehicles unattended by locking their doors and removing valuables. By doing this, I feel that the amount of motor vehicle break-ins will reduce dramatically."

Listed below are a few simple suggestions that can be used to discourage a thief from breaking into your vehicle:

· Lock your doors! If a thief is on a mission, he/she is far more likely to try his luck elsewhere if your doors are locked verses unlocked.

· If possible, remove all valuables; thieves will search for other vehicles that are easier targets if they do not see anything of value in your car. If you choose not to remove valuables from your vehicle, conceal them from plain view by securing them in a glove box, center console, or, even better, in the trunk.

· Be aware of where you park your vehicle. If it is during daylight hours, park it where it is constantly being seen by somebody. Don't try to hide it because the place you may choose will be a perfect location for a break-in. During the night, if possible, park in an area with a lot of light; light is an enemy of thieves.

· If you park your vehicle at home in a garage with a door, keep the garage door closed and locked.

· Be aware of anyone roaming your neighborhood that looks suspicious. Call the Sheriff's Office if you suspect someone is suspicious.