As the holiday season progresses, police are warning residents to take precautions with their homes and cars to cut down on the number of property crimes in the area.

Danville Police Chief Chris Wenzel said that at this time of year they will see an increase in property crime, with residents being targeted as they shop or in their driveways. Wenzel pointed to a recent robbery, in which a woman shopping at Costco had her purse stolen right out of her cart as she loaded her car.

"These and other events like that occur during the holidays because we're so busy with trying to get things accomplished," he explained. "Property crimes are my biggest issue here, and now is the time when people are just so preoccupied with getting all this stuff done that they forget to lock things up - so this is just a reminder to be more aware."

Most of the precautions suggested are simple common sense. These include:
• Do not leave items in plain view in your vehicle
• Lock all doors on your vehicle
• Lock homes and garages, especially if going away for the holiday
• Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home

Wenzel said these suggestions don't just apply to gift shopping, as thieves will be on the lookout for laptops and other items left in vehicles.

In addition, Wenzel said, this is the time of the year that many residents will be getting credit card applications in the mail. He suggests shredding any unused applications prior to disposal.

"Protect your identity. Shred unwanted applications," he said. "Destroy them so they don't get back in the system. "

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