LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, Allen County Sheriff Matt Treglia is reminding residents to stay vigilant against thieves looking to take advantage of the season.
Speaking at the Allen County Republican luncheon, Treglia offered tips to avoid becoming a victim of theft, including having deliveries sent to work or placed in enclosed areas to prevent “porch pirates” from stealing packages. He also advised shoppers to keep wallets hidden in purses or shopping carts and to remain alert when walking back to their vehicles.
“Be aware of your surroundings. Don't be fumbling around in your purse when you're walking through the parking lot. Know where your car was parked when you left and came back out of the department store, and just look confident as you're walking through the lot. That'll make most criminals, most thieves, most people that are trying to prey on the weak, not make you look like a very confident person, and they're going to avoid you at all costs at that point and just for the just so everybody knows we're going to have more patrols out in the parking lots during this holiday season," Treglia said.
Sheriff Treglia added that his deputies, along with Chief Curtis Hile and Lima Police officers, will increase patrols in shopping areas to help keep residents safe. He urged anyone who notices suspicious activity to call 9-1-1 immediately.
