Police are warning shoppers hitting the stores this weekend that they won’t be the only ones taking advantage of the sales.
Opportunistic crooks do their own kind of shopping leading up to the holidays.
“One thing with the holidays is people are very busy and focused on the task at hand. It’s easy to let your guard down,” Everett crime prevention officer Steve Paxton said.
Lynnwood police see more car prowls, crime prevention specialist Janet Abbott said.
Everett doesn’t see a jump in crime but thieves change how they fill their pockets, targeting large shopping centers, Paxton said.
People should think ahead to ensure that a trip to the mall doesn’t end with a call to 911.
“People just need to be alert and cautious,” Abbott said.
Everett police will do their annual holiday patrol, adding extra officers to monitor mall and large retail store parking lots.
In Lynnwood, police volunteers will be on bike patrol at Alderwood mall to deter thieves.
Below is a list of advice from Paxton and Abbott to keep shoppers and residents safe during the holiday season:
* Don’t carry too many bags. Try to keep one hand free.
* Avoid taking large amounts of cash. Use a credit or debit card but be sure to protect the personal identification number.
* Photocopy everything in your wallet and leave the information at home. If your wallet or purse is stolen, you’ll have a record of what was taken and what cards to cancel.
* Avoid dark and isolated parking spaces. Consider shopping with at least one other person.
* Teach children not to leave your side unless they ask. Role-play about safe areas they can go if they get lost or separated from you.
* If you call 911 from a cellphone, be aware of your location. Most 911 calls from cellphones go to the Washington State Patrol and will need to be transferred to the appropriate police department.
* Yell, “Call 911,” instead of, “Help,” if you are in trouble.
* Trust your instincts and if you’re afraid to walk to your car alone, ask mall or store security to escort you.
* Park in well-lighted locations. Lock your doors and never leave your engine running.
* If you have packages in your car, be sure to store them out of sight before you arrive at your next destination.
* Consider installing an alarm in your car or using steering-wheel locking devices. The Club can be purchased for $10.73 at Everett police’s south precinct.
* When you leave home, keep gifts and expensive property out of view. Keep a light on inside to give the impression that someone is home.
* If you’ll be gone for the holidays, ask a neighbor to watch your home or sign up to have police volunteers to check your house.
* Research charities before donating money. Never give if you feel pressured or harassed.
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@ heraldnet.com.
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