BEWARE: This car prowl tactic can lead to your home being burglarized, too

BELLINGHAM -- Police say crooks smashed the windows of a school district employee's car and took her garage door openers, which gave them access to the inside of her home.

Anna Carlson couldn't believe this new trend.

Carlson said, "It’s terrifying to think about the easy access someone would have."



Police say crooks are walking right up to cars and then smashing the glass. Once they have access to your vehicle, all they need are two things, the garage door opener and your registration, and then they have a road map right to your valuables.

Your registration has your address on it and the garage door opener is as good as a key. Police say to keep the garage door opener out of sight.

Lt. Bob Vander Yacht said, "Take that stuff with you. Don’t leave things that are obviously of interest to anyone that walks by your car in view."

This warning is enough to make Carlson change her habits.

"I would not mind sticking it in my diaper bag or in my purse from now on. It’s a simple fix for a big problem."