Herald staff
Now that Christmas holiday shopping is under way, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office says that a time of expected joy can turn into bitter memories if they’re spoiled by theft, burglary or a loss of personal safety.
There are steps people can take to protect themselves, sheriff’s spokeswoman Jan Jorgensen said.
Don’t carry a purse by the handle or with an arm through a strap and let it dangle. Place one end in the palm of your hand and tuck the other in the bend of the elbow and keep it close to your body.
In a supermarket, tie the handle of the purse to a cart and never leave the cart or lose sight of the purse. Don’t leave it on a store counter or set it on a floor in a bathroom or other public place.
Any item of value visible on the seat or floor of a car is an open invitation to thieves. Place packages and all valuables in the trunk and lock it.
Men should carry wallets in an inside front pocket rather than a back pocket, and don’t expose your cash to public view.
Be cautious when approaching your vehicle at night. Have your keys ready and check the back seat before getting inside.
Once inside the vehicle, keep the doors locked and windows rolled up. Do not travel at night when you know you may have car trouble or are low on gas. Park in a well-lit area.
If you leave your key with a parking attendant, leave only the car key. Other keys could be duplicated.
Be cautious around elevators and buses. If you are suspicious of another passenger, wait for the next elevator or bus.
Be alert. In crowded areas, anticipate a crime.
If you think you’re in trouble, create a loud disturbance to seek help and identify your attacker.
Leave your home attended as much as possible.
When everyone is gone, be sure that all doors and windows are locked and lights are on inside, along with a radio or television. This helps to avoid the appearance of an unattended home.
Have a trusted neighbor, friend or relative look after your home while you’re gone. This includes picking up the newspapers, taking in the mail and adjusting the lights inside the house.
Do not give personal information to any stranger who calls on the phone or appears at the door. All callers should at least identify themselves and state their business.
Contact your local police agency and ask about Operation I.D., a program in which people mark their valuables with a Washington driver’s license or identification number.
"Most crimes are crimes of opportunity," Jorgensen said. "If you eliminate the opportunity, you could avoid the crime."