Police offer safety tips for the holiday season
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers IT'S STEALING SEASON- Shoppers spend time and money at the Camarillo Premium Outlets earlier this week. Police warn residents to be mindful of their surroundings during the holidays as criminals take advantage of distracted shoppers.

The woman told police she thought her purse was safe in the back seat of her car.

She had placed the purse on the seat while unloading packages into the trunk after shopping at a Camarillo center last month. When she prepared to drive off, however, a thief seemed to come out of nowhere, open her car door and grab the purse off the back seat, said Senior Dep. Bob Maclean with the Camarillo Police Department.

"They were very brazen," he said of the purse snatchers.

In Thousand Oaks, crooks attached an electronic card reader to a bank's ATM recently and extracted account information from unsuspecting victims as they used the ATM, according to police.

Senior Dep. Larry Logan of the Thousand Oaks Police, said 33 years in law enforcement have taught him to expect a hike in crime during the holidays because thieves have more opportunities to steal.

Law enforcement officials say criminals are finding more creative ways to separate holiday shoppers from their money and are warning residents to take precautions.

When at an ATM, for example, residents should scrutinize the card slot and go elsewhere if they see a piece of plastic or wire coming from the opening. Shoppers should immediately pocket their bank card and money when leaving an outside ATM.

Think ahead when selecting a parking space. A shopper may arrive while it's light outside but leave when it's dark only to realize their car is located on the unlit fringes of the lot. Select a spot that will be well-lit when it's dark.

Residents should attach a large mirror to the inside of their car's trunk so when loading packages they can see someone approaching when their back is turned.

Criminals are opportunists who'll break into a car after spotting a shopper who has loaded packages into the trunk and leaves to go into a store. Think ahead and hide shopping bags from the previous trip out of sight before making another stop.

At home, station the Christmas tree and gifts out of sight from the front window and where thieves cannot easily spot them.

Dispose of gift boxes large and small after Christmas by cutting them up so potential burglars can't see what new items might be in the house. Use caution when making charitable donations. It's common for con artists to take advantage of others by asking for donations during the holidays for nonexistent charities, police say.

Since it's difficult to tell a legitimate charity from a fictitious one, police recommend residents research the organization before making a donation, and, if in doubt, give to one that's familiar.

Law enforcement also recommends residents take the following safety precautions during the holidays:

When shopping:

•Know what's going on around you.

•Lock the vehicle and close all windows.

•Don't carry large amounts of cash; pay with a credit card whenever possible.

•Women should carry their purses close to their bodies and not use one with shoulder straps.

•Never place a purse in the shopping cart; thieves typically strike when a victim's back is turned.

•Men should carry their wallet in a front pocket.

•Parents should teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard if they become separated.

Before overnight travel:

•Set up an automatic timer for interior and exterior lights.

•Ask a neighbor to watch the home and police to make house checks.

•Stop mail and other deliveries.

Before a night out:

•Turn on house lights and a radio or TV to make it appear someone is home.

•Lock all doors and windows.