According to the Mercer Island Police Department, there’s been an uptick in car prowls recently. The department has provided the following tips and safety reminders when parking your vehicle:

• Always lock your vehicle.

• Secure all windows, doors, sunroofs.

• Remove all valuables when leaving your vehicle unattended; prowlers are often criminals of opportunity and if they do not see something of interest, they usually move on to an easier target.

• Park in well-lit areas: prowlers do not like to be seen.

• Set the alarm on your vehicle if so equipped.

• If you absolutely must leave valuables in your vehicle, place them in hiding spots before arriving at your destination as prowlers often wait in parking lots and observe drivers.

• Park in a locked garage when possible and install security cameras.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you see someone lurking around parked cars or exhibiting other suspicious behavior. Recent Mercer Island crime data can be viewed at: https://www.mercerisland.gov/police/page/community-crime-mapping