Ronica Shannon
Local police want to remind residents that while they are away shopping for Christmas gifts, thieves may be browsing the neighborhoods looking for free holiday goodies.
“Unfortunately, crooks have to do their Christmas shopping, too,” said Capt. Ken Clark, public relations officer for the Berea Police Department. “This time of the year, it’s always a good time to use extra precaution.”
Whether a person has left their home to shop, or left their home for the holiday season, there are several easy ways to help secure the safety of your home, Clark said.
The obvious first steps to protecting one’s home is to never leave the doors unlocked, and if the home has a garage, make sure the garage door is closed during the day and at night.
However, other safety measures can include using motion-sensor lighting and keeping all landscaping trimmed, he said.
“If you have a lot of bushes behind the house, somebody can drop down behind them,” Clark said. “Motion sensors are fairly inexpensive. Crooks don’t like lights.”
Local home-improvement stores sell equipment that can put stereos, lights and television on a timer so that they turn on for a certain period of time and then turn themselves off, Clark said.
“This can make it look like someone’s home at that time,” he said.
It also is a good idea to communicate with trustworthy neighbors that you will be leaving town for the holidays.
If a neighbor has several vehicles, Clark suggested that you ask them to leave one parked in your driveway.
“It’s also a good idea to have your newspaper (delivery) stopped, and your mail,” he said. “Those are obvious signs that people are gone.”
Local police departments also offer options to help keep your home safe while away for the holidays.
“Notify the police department if you’re going to be gone and for how long,” he said.
Also, homeowners can leave a key to the home with a trusted neighbor, and notify police who has the key in the case of an emergency, Clark said.
Store parking lots also are a common shopping location for thieves, according to Sgt. Willard Reardon, public information officer for the Richmond Police Department.
When it comes time to take on the shopping centers and malls, it is always best to park as close to the store as possible and in well-lit areas, but that may not be an option with the holiday crowds, Reardon said.
The first thing to do to keep thieves out of your vehicle and away from your Christmas presents is to either lock them in the trunk, or take them home and put them in a safe place, he said. Never leave items in plain view.
“If they can’t see it, they can’t steal it,” Reardon said. “And, if you do have a lot of presents, it’s not a bad idea to drop some off at home and then go back for a second round of shopping.”
Parking lots also are a common place for assaults to occur, he said.
“If you’re going our shopping, especially for females, go with a buddy,” he said. “It will make the crooks less hesitant to pick on a single person versus if there’s two or three of you.”
Oftentimes, thieves watch for people to walk out to their vehicles, and may be there waiting for you, he said.
“When you walk up to your car door, don’t get there and be fumbling around with your keys,” Reardon said. “Most newer cars have the unlocking devices, and I would have that in my hand and ready to go.”
Being familiar with your surroundings and keeping a watchful eye also can help prevent parking lot assaults, he said.
“If you leave a store after shopping and you feel like someone’s following you, you can always turn around and walk back into the store,” he said. “A lot of it (staying safe during the holiday season) is simply being aware.”
Anyone who is leaving their homes for the Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday can leave their address and other necessary information with local law enforcement by calling the Richmond police at 623-8911, Berea police at 986-8456 or the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 623-1511.
