Police Chief offers tips to avoid holiday burglary - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

Since Monday in Bellaire, four cars were entered and items inside were taken and one van was stolen. 

All these vehicles had one thing in common, they were left unlocked. 

With holiday shopping now in full swing, Chief Mike Kovalyk has advice for shoppers stashing items in their vehicles. 

Don't leave them in your trunk area," he said. ""They check the doors to see if they're unlocked." 

Kovalyk says crime goes up around the holidays so he advises everyone to know what you own.

Document your valuables by recording serial numbers, makes and models. 

"Such as electronic equipment," said Kovalyk. "Go through each room of your residence. Don't let them use your phone." 

He says leaving a few lights on, inside and out, deters burglars who are looking for someplace completely dark.