Here are the crime stats from the Kent Police Department for the week of 10/27 – 11/02/09, along with helpful crime prevention tips!

• The cold weather in the morning brings those opportunistic vehicle prowlers and thieves. NEVER leave your car running and unattended in the morning. We have seen cars stolen out of driveways as the bad guy is lurking and waiting for you to leave your car while it warms up.

• The cold weather in the morning also brings holiday shopping. Remove all shopping bags from your vehicle every time you park. Or, if you can’t remove them completely, conceal them in your trunk before you get to your final destination.

• The cold weather also brings darkness earlier. All of us are heading to our cars at the end of a busy work day and it is already dark outside. Make sure you have your car keys in your hand before heading out the door towards your car. Walk with co-workers if possible. Trust your “gut” feeling. If something feels funny, go back inside and ask for someone to walk you to your car. Move your car to a closer parking spot sometime during the day. And, remember to drive carefully out there with your eyes open for pedestrians!

• Copper wire and pipes have been getting stolen lately. If you spot a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of your street, document all the information you can on the vehicle and the people associated and call 911. Don’t just assume they are there to do work. And, if you notice street lights out suddenly that were functioning, document it and call 911. Thieves are taking wire out of light poles, electrical boxes, and more in front of neighbors and passing cars. Keep your eyes and ears open!