Los Angeles: Now that the Holiday Season is over, many people have filled their homes with new and expensive items which present thieves with an opportunity which can have heart-breaking results. The following are a few tips that can help keep intruders from entering your home to commit any crime. In addition, a few tips are presented for those who live in apartments or condominiums in Los Angeles.

• Give a duplicate house key to a relative, trusted friend or neighbor in case you are ever locked out;
• Do not hide house keys in mailboxes, in planters, under doormats, or other places they might be easily found. This will prevent a criminal from finding an easy way into your home;
• Do not place personal identification on key rings;
• Be able to separate your car key from all of your other keys. You can purchase a detachable key ring for this purpose;
• Leave only your ignition key with the car when it is valet parked, serviced or repaired; and
• If you lose the keys to your home, change the locks as soon as possible.

• Always lock the doors to common areas and garages;
• When leaving or entering a garage, be sure the door closes and locks behind you before moving on;
• Do not leave the garage door opener in your car. If stolen, it provides easy access to your building;
• Organize regular meetings to discuss security issues;
• Contact neighbors in your complex whenever a crime occurs so they may take appropriate precautions; and
• Never use a laundry room alone or late at night. Do your laundry during the day and invite a friend or neighbor to do their laundry with you.

For additional information or to obtain a copy of any number of crime prevention circulars available, please contact the Community Liaison/Crime Prevention Unit, at 213-485-3134, or visit our "Crime Prevention Tips" section.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.