The Marshall Police Department is advising these safety tips in regards to keeping your car safe.

• Find a parking space as close as you can to the store entrance and under a light, if it is dark,
• Try to make a note of any nearby signs, poles, or other landmarks to make it easier to find your way back,
• Try to avoid parking next to large vans or SUVs that give a thief privacy,
• Lock your car,
• Make sure all windows and doors are locked,
• Don’t leave packages, phones, music players or other valuables on the seats, floor, dash, or anywhere in sight,
• Lock items in the trunk or otherwise stash them out of sight,
• Keep moving, if you come out of the store, to drop off a load of packages, move the car to another space before going back for more shopping, or better yet take them home,
• Criminals might be watching and know you will not return to your car for a while. Stay focused,
• Pay attention to your surroundings while walking to and from your car,
• Stay off your phone,
• Have your keys ready as you approach your car.