You may not be thinking about criminals this Christmas season, but they’re thinking about you.
The holidays present a paradise for car prowlers, purse snatchers and all other kinds of riffraff, according to police.
“This is the time,” Mill Creek police detective Sgt. Kate Hamilton said. “It’s so awful that the crime rate goes up so much around the holidays.”
The most important thing for people to do is pay attention to what’s around them, she said. A few simple rules can go a long way.
For instance, people should look around before they head out to their car overloaded with shopping bags.
They should keep their keys in their hand, and an eye on anyone who seems suspicious, Hamilton said. Women should not leave their purses in their cars or shopping carts.
Car prowlers will hang out in parking lots looking for people leaving purses and fresh purchases in their vehicles, she said. They’ll also grab backpacks and gym bags, anything they can see.
“It doesn’t matter to them because they’re hoping it’s going to be a wallet or an iPad,” she said.
People also should try to relax before their holiday shopping, Everett crime prevention officer Aaron Snell said. The stress can distract them, making them easier targets for crooks.
Dressing comfortably is the first step, he said. Try to shop with a friend or family member, too.
“We can’t stress enough that you just really have to be cognizant of what’s around you,” he said. “You have to recognize that there are people out there who want your stuff, and you have to protect it.”
If possible, people should find a baby-sitter for shopping trips, Snell said. Children get lost more easily in big crowds. If parents bring children along, don’t let them go into restrooms or fitting rooms alone.
Before shopping starts, parents should designate a spot and time to meet up if the family gets separated, Snell said.
Meanwhile, the criminals aren’t just hanging out at the mall. They could be cruising your street.
If you’re shopping online, make a plan for someone to accept the delivered packages, Hamilton said. Some thieves follow around delivery trucks hoping for a score. If they grab a box and don’t care for the contents, they might trash it.
On cold mornings, it can be tempting to warm up your unlocked car while you wait inside the house, Mukilteo crime prevention officer Cheol Kang said.
That’s an invitation for car thieves, he said. Last winter, police in south Snohomish County received reports of six stolen vehicles — during just one cold spell.
Also, don’t advertise for criminals at home, Snell said.
For example, buying a large-screen TV and throwing the empty box into your recycle bin lets everyone know your home could make for a lucrative burglary, he said.
People should break down and shred boxes, or at least make sure the label isn’t showing.
“Otherwise, it’s just a billboard of something you have now,” Snell said.
If presents are stacked under the tree, keep the windows and drapes closed, Kang said. When people rearrange furniture for the tree, that can change how much strangers can see inside the home.
Lastly, if you’re hosting a holiday party, don’t forget about safety, Kang said. Use a spotter if you plan to climb a ladder while decorating. Make sure cords and decorations aren’t in the reach of small children.
If party guests plan to drink, make sure they have a safe way to get home.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
Holiday safety tips
•Park in well-lit areas. Remember where you parked.
Roll up the car windows and lock all doors.
If you have a removable car stereo, remove it.
Don’t leave packages or bags of any kind visible on the seats or floor of your car.
If you take packages to your car and go back to shopping, move your car. Thieves watch parking lots so they know which cars to hit.
Between the store and your car, keep your keys in your hand and walk purposely.
Make sure nobody is in the car, and lock the doors immediately once you get inside.
If you’re leaving the store alone at night, ask if they can provide a security escort.
Be discreet about money or other valuables you are carrying.
Stay alert in crowds. A thief can use the cover of the crowd to make a quick getaway.
Take only the credit cards you need for shopping, and leave the rest at home.
Women should carry purses close to their bodies and separate cash from credit cards. Don’t keep your keys in your purse. If someone nabs it, they’ll have your address — and a way to get in.
Men should consider carrying wallets in a front pocket and putting a large rubber band around it. That can prevent pickpockets.
Source: Lynnwood Police Department
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
