West Logan Police Chief Robert Ward told The Logan Banner that by being aware of the dangers that the Christmas Crime scene brings an individual can improve their chances of avoiding being rooked by crooks over the holidays.
Ward noted that many thieves see the Christmas shopping season as an opportunity for larceny with potential victims walking around distracted, carrying large sums of cash and leaving expensive presents lying around their homes.
Ward noted some simple things the public can do such as:
* Turn on the television and lights even when you are not at home to make a burglar consider going elsewhere.
* Grow thorn bushes near windows and lock and block windows and doors with jambs and other devices.
* Keep your doors and windows locked, even when you are home.
* When shopping, keep your vehicle locked, travel in groups if possible and be constantly aware of what is going on around you. Keep your keys in hand and get in and out of your vehicle quickly.
* Be cautious about our surroundings in terms of people and places. Don't carry large sums of cash.
* Lock all personal items in your car trunk and from view. Always lock your vehicle.
* Park in well lit areas with maximum visibility to the public. Don't park next to exits near the roadway.
* Have your car and house keys ready when approaching your car or home.
* Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
* Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas.
* Don't get bogged down with packages.
* Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. In the past, thieves have tried various methods of distracting victims out shopping so they could rob them.
* Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. Use the trunk to conceal them.
* Have your car keys ready before you leave the building.
* Do not approach your car alone if suspicious persons are near your vehicle.
* Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Ward noted some local stores such as Rite Aid often carry small, portable alarms and that inexpensive alarm systems are available online through companies such as X10.com.
"This is the worst time of the year for anybody to become a victim of crime," Ward said. "If a few simple precautions can help you from becoming the target of somebody else's illegal opportunity its' worth the effort. It's also a good time to keep an eye out for your neighbor and hope they keep an eye out for you."
Ward said he was told of an incident earlier this week where two suspicious looking individuals appeared to be trying to get into a parked car that did not belong to them.
"I told the person who informed me about this, 'you should have called 911 when you saw it, and reported it. They said they thought it was not an emergency and I pointed out that people call 911 when they come home and find a break in and technically that's less of an emergency."
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