ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - If you haven't done it already, many in town are getting their holiday shopping taken care of, and there are some things you need to keep an eye out for besides the price tags for presents.
Carrying bags full of valuable items, even hundreds of dollars worth, and a car full of presents can be a prime target for those wishing to spoil the holiday fun or to take it for themselves.
Holiday shopping is on the minds of many folks this time of the year, bagging up gifts and toys for the family, and while you're focused on getting everything on your holiday wish list and checking it twice, there's something else you need to keep in mind: your safety.
Carrying bags full of valuable items, even hundreds of dollars worth, and a car full of presents can be a prime target for those wishing to spoil the holiday fun or to take it for themselves. Local law enforcement is aware of shoppers facing potential threats during the holidays, and they say staying vigilant is the key.
While you're focused on getting everything on your holiday wish list and checking it twice, there's something else you need to keep in mind: your safety.
"Just like you said, staying vigilant, be aware of your surroundings. Don't go out at night if you can avoid it; shopping during the day is the safest. Being in big groups of family or friends. Don't carry large amounts of cash; that's a big one. Just don't be a target. Stay off your phones, be vigilant, and be aware of your surroundings," suggested Patrolman Bryce Metz, Lima Police Department.
In the event that someone does attempt to steal your holiday gifts while out shopping, call for help or call the police and remember that gifts and presents are not worth your life, so if life-threatening danger is present, let them take the gifts and call the police.
"Hopefully you have your phone nearby or there's other people around, or if you're out and about at a store, try and seek help from the store staff, or obviously get ahold of law enforcement, and we'll come out and do what we can for you," said Sergeant Jon Baker, Shawnee Township Police Department. "You know it's not worth losing your life over some gifts. You know, life over property."
In the event that someone does attempt to steal your holiday gifts while out shopping, call for help or call the police.
Theft while out and about shopping is just one side to this coin. The other is porch pirating. With online shopping becoming more and more popular, thieves can prey on vacant houses when your holiday packages get delivered and swoop right in to steal them for themselves. So how do you combat this problem? Law enforcement says ring doorbell cameras and security cameras can be a huge help.
"There's been an uptick in it recently. Again, those are very hard to catch unless you have a ring camera of some sort," added Pt. Metz.
"Just run up and grab and go, so having a camera is great. Having the delivery driver have a spot to put it where it's maybe not so visible from the road as well helps," stated Sgt. Baker.
With online shopping becoming more and more popular, thieves can prey on vacant houses when your holiday packages get delivered and swoop right in to steal them for themselves.
To recap, stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, call for help if you are approached, and don't make it easy for thieves to play Grinch and steal your Christmas.
