On Black Friday as many people were out getting the best deals, the Bonney Lake Police Department launched its first Holiday Park Smart Program. From 3 to 5 p.m., police officers and citizens handed out flyers with the goal of reducing the number of vehicle break ins.

According to a press release from the department, “criminals commonly walk and drive through parking lots looking for vehicles with unlocked doors or valuables left out in the open.”

The press release urges people to conceal any valuables prior to arriving at your destination.

With this program, the department wants to remind community members to lock your car doors, roll your windows up, use your alarm system and consider using a CLUB on your steering wheel, according to the press release.

The park smart programs follows four steps people should consider when parking especially during the holiday season.

Prepare: Conceal all valuables every time you park and lock your car before walking away

Aware: Know what attracts the Grinch (iPods, cell phones, chargers, CDs, GPS units, shopping bags, wrapped presents, loose change, boxes, purses, checkbooks or other papers that could be used in identity theft

Report: If you see something suspicious or hear a car alarm, report it

Know: Know where to park (front of the store in well lighted areas and in the open)

Aside from these four reminders, the press release also lists ten ways to reduce thefts and vehicle break ins.

Some other tips include installing a locking fuel cap, installing a vehicle tracking system, installing an alarm system kill switch and never leaving your vehicle running and unattended.

Bonney Lake officers will be out in retail areas on additional days throughout the remainder of the holiday season.