Seattle police recently released holiday theft prevention tips and a new technique to deter car prowlers: a sign inside the vehicle that lets would-be thieves know they are wasting their time.

The sign reads, “Nothing to steal but this sign. Please don’t steal this sign.”

“We were just looking for something a little more innovative and the idea of having people put the sign in their car was a pretty good concept,” SPD Detective Renee Witt said.

Police recommend placing the signs either on the car seat or visible on the dashboard, and they can be downloaded free from the SPD website.

The sign and accompanying theft prevention information are all part of the SPD’s “They’re Watching …” campaign, a concept they credit to the Vancouver B.C. police department.

According to the SPD website, the campaign is about being aware that thieves are watching for easy targets.

“We just thought it would be something we could definitely use and our hope is that people might take just an extra moment to picture that a thief could be watching their actions and to maybe think twice and take a few extra moments to be cautious about their belongings and their property before leaving their car,” Detective Whit said.

The campaign promotes awareness beyond the vehicle as well. The SPD website asks the following questions:

Are you making a thief’s job easier by sending clear signals that you aren't paying attention? Are you working in the back yard without locking the front door? Are you leaving the house with your windows left open in the summer? Are you leaving the car, even just to dash inside for a moment, with valuables in clear sight?

With the holiday season in full swing, police also recently released a list of holiday prevention tips to help combat thieves looking to take advantage of shoppers.

A list of general safety tips can be found on the SPD Blotter, and here is their list specific to holiday shopping:

• Take a friend along when doing holiday shopping. Using the buddy system reduces your chances of being a victim of robbery.
• When paying by cash, only take out the amount needed and keep the remainder out of view. It’s always a good idea to carry minimal amounts of cash, regardless of the time of year.
• Always maintain positive Control over your items. Don’t tempt a thief by leaving your purse, wallet or packages unattended. It only takes a second to grab them.
• Beware of strangers who bump, shove or get too close. Pickpockets may use these diversions to lift your wallet.
• Be cautious of those you don’t know who offer to carry bags and packages for you. Depending on where you shop, store personnel or mall security may offer assistance in carrying packages to your car or escorting you to your vehicle.
• If you have to return to your car to store purchases, place them in the trunk out of sight. Do this when you get to your car, rather than waiting until you park at your next stop. Gifts and other valuables should never be left in clear view.
• Before returning to your car, make sure you’re not over-burdened with packages. Have your car keys in hand to avoid “searching” for them when you reach your car.

Southwest Precinct Captain Steve Paulsen spoke to the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council on Nov. 16 and issued an additional warning to, “be aware of your surroundings … people will come up, grab your stuff and run.”