Dublin Police Offer Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Police in Dublin said they’re planning to deploy extra staff for the next two months as part of a holiday crime suppression effort.

People sometimes forget to be careful with their property and personal safety during the holiday season, which can leave some individuals especially vulnerable, police said. To help, they’ve prepared a short list of tips to stay safe.

• Dublin police are advising drivers to park their vehicles in well-lit areas, and avoid leaving packages, shopping bags or other valuables in plain view.
• Lock anything that might get stolen in the trunk, if possible. And put it there before you reach your destination, so no one sees you locking it in the trunk.
• Close car windows and lock the doors.
• Have the keys ready when returning to a vehicle, and make sure to scan the interior in case someone is hiding inside.
• It’s also good to be aware of one’s surroundings, according to police, and be cautious of strangers approaching you for any reason as criminals may use a variety of methods of distraction before taking money or other belongings by force.
• Women are advised to carry purses under their arms, and men are advised to carry their wallets in a jacket or front-pants pocket.
• Everyone is advised to avoid carrying large sums of cash.

Police are asking members of the public to report suspicious activity by calling dispatch at (925) 462-1212 or the crime prevention line at (925) 833-6690.

--Bay City News