‘Tis the season for your Christmas shopping, and that joyous time of the year when we’re in search of the perfect gift to help old Saint Nick place under the tree.
But be vigilant.
‘Tis the season for thieves, too.
“As shopping traffic increases, awareness and simple crime prevention strategies are key to protecting yourself and your property,” says Maj. Shawn Strepay with the Fayetteville Police Department. “Crime prevention is a shared responsibility, and as such, we encourage shoppers to adopt proactive safety measures to protect their purchases and personal well-being.”
Our city police department is doing its part.
“With increased activity around our shopping centers this time of year, we are increasing patrols across the city’s shopping centers, including Cross Creek Mall and other major retail areas,” Strepay told CityView on Thursday. “Our officers will be present in marked and unmarked vehicles, as well as on foot, to maintain visibility, deter criminal activity, and to respond to any potential incidents.”
But holiday shoppers must do their part, too, and Strepay offers sound advice.
“Shopping with a friend or family member is one of the most effective crime deterrents,” Strepay said. “There is safety in numbers, and an extra set of eyes can help you stay alert.”
If you are night shopping, take heed.
“Choose well-lit, high-traffic parking spots and be mindful of your surroundings when walking to and from your car,” he said. “Have your keys ready before you reach your vehicle. Carry purses close to your body and keep wallets in a secure front pocket. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.”
If you find yourself in need of extra cash, be vigilant at ATMs. Be on the lookout for anyone who might give you pause to be suspicious. That’s sound advice every time you visit an ATM, no matter the season, and a personal rule of thumb of mine.
There are a lot of gift purchases when you are holiday shopping, too.
“Never leave packages visible in your vehicle’s seats or floorboards,” Strepay said. “Always place all purchased items in the trunk or completely cover them, even if you are only stepping away for a few minutes. ‘Smash and grab’ thieves look for quick and easy targets, and a visible package or bag is a strong invitation.”
Porch Pirates
You won’t just find the Christmas Grinches on the prowl at shopping centers. In this day and age of online shopping, you’ll find them in residential neighborhoods. Those Amazon packages and UPS and FedEx deliveries can be targets when delivered and you are not at home.
Call them porch pirates on the prowl.
“Porch piracy remains a significant concern during the holidays,” Strepay said.
Once you have placed an online order, track your deliveries.
“Use tracking apps to monitor your package’s delivery time,” Strepay said, “and minimize the time it spends sitting on your porch.”
We can’t be home all the time, so you may want to notify a neighbor that you are expecting a delivery.
“Ask a trusted neighbor to retrieve packages immediately after delivery,” Strepay said.
Other options, according to Strepay, are to have your online packages delivered to your workplace, the use of Amazon lockers, or shipping to a retail store for pick-up.
Every gift order matters, and if your gift order is of high value, Strepay suggests a required signature for delivery.
Doorbell cameras and security systems are invaluable, Strepay says, and can deter porch pirates. They can provide officers with crucial evidence, i.e., photos, videos, license plates, etc., when a theft is reported to law enforcement.
But remember, a porch pirate is a porch pirate—a thief without conscience; just like a thief preying in a retail shopping center.
Aside from the holiday safety tips, the Fayetteville Police Department is offering some peace of mind for city residents who will be out of town for the holidays with its House/Party Check program. Patrol officers, according to the FPD, will conduct random checks of your residence while you are away. Residents can submit a request online using the FPD website at FayPD.com. Go to the Community Policing & Engagement section and select “Request a House/Party Check.” Call 910-433-1585 for more information.
Epilogue
So, there you have it for what we hope is a holly, jolly, and safe Christmas shopping season for all.
And, if you will, one last safety tip.
Once Santa has left his holiday gifts under the tree and has headed back with Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph to the North Pole, don’t leave discarded high-value product boxes on the curb for others to see what old Saint Nick brought you this season.
“Leaving large, brand-name boxes out,” Maj. Strepay said, “advertises what new items are inside your home.”
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
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