The Panama City Police Department would like to remind citizens to lock their vehicles no matter how long you will be away from your vehicle.

Authorities are experiencing a rash of car burglaries that are occurring in Panama City and the one common denominator is the fact that the vehicles are left unlocked and unattended. As the Holiday Season approaches, more property and items in vehicles are prime targets for theives. If you do make purchases, secure all items in your trunk area if possible or out of plain sight.

If you experience a burglary to your vehicle please don’t touch or move the vehicle and contact your local Law Enforcement agency promptly to report the crime. We are working to identify and arrest the perpetrators of these burglaries and if property is recovered it is easier to return the property to its rightful owner if a report was filed. We would also like to remind the public to secure valuable items such as cell phones, mp3 players, GPS systems and other electronic items before exiting your vehicles.

If you have any information in reference to these or any other crimes please contact the Panama City Police Department at 850-872-3100 or on the web at www.panamacitypolice.com. You can also remain anonymous by reporting your tips to CrimeStoppers at 850-785-TIPS.