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by Christina Morgan - The Collierville Herald
12/09/10
While hundreds of residents search for the perfect gifts this holiday season, criminals will be hunting for one thing – opportunity.
And as shoppers flood retailers throughout the next few weeks, the chance for thieves to find unsuspecting victims rises both at stores and residences.
"I can't definitively say crime increases (between Thanksgiving and New Year's)," Philip Arnold, lieutenant with the Collierville Police Department said. "But the opportunity for crime presents itself more frequently."
However, Arnold recommended one rule for residents to use in order to safeguard themselves against criminal activity.
"I can't stress this enough," he emphasized, "always be aware of your surroundings. That may mean while walking to your car or making sure you don't leave a purse or wallet accessible to others."
Arnold, who has worked on the CPD for 13 years and served four years as lieutenant, also explained that staying safe and not becoming a victim of property crime are two different things.
"The best way to stay safe is to be aware of your surroundings," he acknowledged. "But the best way to not be a victim of a property crime is to make sure criminals are not aware of your valuables.
"Putting a purse or valuable in the trunk immediately before entering a store isn't enough," he continued. "How many people saw you put a valuable in the trunk and then walk in the store to shop? Now, the criminal knows there are valuables in the trunk. On many vehicles, this just means he has to open the trunk."
Other ways to ensure thieves remain clueless about purchased belongings is to unload packages from the vehicle into the house only after the garage has been closed.
Arnold said keeping all valuables out of sight is also a good tip, whether it is inside a home, vehicle or purse.
"Try to make you or your belongings as uninviting a target as possible," he added.
Furthermore, Arnold recommended shopping in groups rather than alone.
Another way a thief may strike this holiday season is through a home invasion or burglary. And some criminals may even knock first.
Recent reports of these crimes occurring throughout the Mid-South may have many residents concerned about the safety of their own homes.
Arnold reassured that most burglars do not want confrontation, and they are expecting any home they approach to be empty with no witnesses.
"I obviously would not recommend that if someone knocks on your door you open it up," Arnold explained. "But, make sure the person knocking knows someone is home. In fact, make them believe several people are home. If someone knocks on the door, ask them who they are and what they want. Only in very specific circumstances will a burglar intentionally enter a home when it is occupied. Fortunately, those are rare occurrences."
The holiday season is one of giving and helping others, and unfortunately criminals will even rely on that to commit crime as well.
"This time of year, perhaps more than other times, we may feel more compelled to help those in need," Arnold concluded. "While I don't want anyone to stop helping others, I don't want anyone to be victimized either. If someone asks for a ride, money, or anything else, give us a call. If the person legitimately needs help, let us get involved in helping solve the person's problem."
To contact the CPD, call 457.2500.
– Christina Morgan/
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Read more: The Collierville Herald - Vigilance key to safe holiday shopping season
Reprinted with permission from The Collierville Herald
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