Keeping safe this holiday season

Merry travelers and excited shoppers in search of the next great discount can turn into crime victims during the holiday season, when crimes such as home burglaries, purse snatching and pick-pocketing tend to increase.

Empty homes, wallets full of cash and cars filled with unwrapped Christmas presents are all prime targets for thieves.

But Olathe Police Department spokesman Sgt. Johnny Roland said residents can decrease their risk by following some simple tips.

“One thing we encourage people to do to prevent that type of thing from happening is talking with neighbors and getting them on board,” Roland said. “Having them do things like collect mail and newspapers. If they pile up, it’s a sure sign to someone with bad intentions that the person may not be home.”

Here are some additional holiday and everyday crime prevention tips to make sure your holiday season is a crime-free one.

At home

• Do not leave Christmas presents in plain view. Doing so will give thieves an incentive to try to get inside the home.

• Keep the exterior and interior of your home well-lit, even when at home. “Criminals don’t like the light,” Rowland said.

• Get in touch with your neighbors to establish a sort of “neighborhood watch” during the holidays. “Let them know who belongs and doesn’t belong,” Rowland said. “If you or they see something suspicious, call the police right away.”

• Make sure doors and windows are securely locked at all times. “You want to create of feeling of occupation in the house,” Rowland said. “Typically that’s a deterrent for criminals. They would prefer no one be home at the time because it’s a lot less risky for them.”

While shopping

• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.

• Park in well-lit, crowded areas.

• Hide packages from sight in the trunk or under the car seats.

• Do not carry your purse. Instead, wear a shoulder strap across your chest to make it less of a target for thieves wanting to snatch it.

• Try not to shop alone. Having a friend, spouse or older child with you at all times makes you less of a target.

• If you feel uneasy, call security to escort you to your car.

• One inside your car, lock all doors immediately and drive.

• If you are the victim of a crime in progress, draw attention to yourself by screaming or laying on the car horn.

• Do not leave a purse or wallet unattended in a shopping cart.

• Keep receipts separate from purchases; if they are stolen, a thief can use the receipt to return the purchase for cash.

• Avoid carrying cash and use a debit or credit card wherever possible. During the cold winter season, citizens tend to start their cars and return inside while they warm up. But Rowland said this is a big mistake.

“I would love for people to just not do this,” Rowland said. “Do not leave your car running attended. I cannot stress enough how much we need to get that message out. This is one crime that is easily prevented.”

An unoccupied running car is inviting for thieves, he said.

“Whether it’s at home or at a convenience store, don’t do it,” Rowland said. “People think they’re just running into the store for a second, but how long does it take for someone to slip into your car and put it in gear? I would never, ever do it anywhere. You just never know who’s walking by.”

For more crime prevention tips, visit olatheks.org/Police/Tips.