When busy people are out shopping during the holidays, it is easy to be forgetful about personal property and safety. As a result, people are vulnerable to theft and other crimes. Follow some easy tips to protect yourself and your property during the holiday season:
- When shopping, park your car in a well-lit area.
- Do not leave packages, shopping bags, or valuables in plain view inside your car.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Be cautious of strangers approaching you for any reason. Criminals may try various methods of distraction with the intent of taking money or belongings.
- Lock your packages and other valuables in your vehicle’s trunk. If your car does not have a trunk, be certain that valuables are out of sight or concealed so they cannot be easily identified.
- While inside stores, never place packages on floors or counters or leave them unattended when purchasing additional items.
- Parked cars should have all windows tightly closed and all doors locked.
- Always have your car keys readily available in your hand before you walk to your car; scan the interior of car to be sure no one is hiding inside.
- Women should carry purses under their arms, and men should carry wallets in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Whenever possible, pay for purchases with checks or credit cards.
- Shoppers should report any suspicious activity to the police department by calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line at 925-462-1212. If you see something, say something.
Throughout the holiday season, Dublin Police are deploying extra staff to highly traveled commercial areas to conduct a Holiday Crime Suppression Detail. The operation will target crime trends that are common during the holiday season. The increase in staff will include marked and unmarked patrol vehicles, and officers on foot patrol and bicycles. Additional patrols will also be on the lookout for those driving under the influence.