The Hilliard Division of Police wants residents to avoid being victims of “crimes of opportunity” this holiday shopping season.
- Always lock your vehicle. Criminals often choose their target based upon which vehicle is easiest to break into.
- Remove all valuables from your vehicle — especially shopping bags. If you can, take shopping bags home instead of leaving them in your car while inside another store.
- Park in well-lit areas. Criminals are more likely to find a dark area to break into a vehicle.
- Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag, and parcels while shopping. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door. Never leave them in the shopping cart unattended.
- Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
- Consider paying with a credit card, if possible. Paying with a credit card usually offers greater protections from unauthorized charges compared to other kinds of payment methods. Generally, your responsibility for unauthorized charges is limited to $50 and you have certain rights to dispute charges that you may not have with a debit card or other form of payment.
In addition to these tips, having situational awareness of your surroundings is also advised.
- Stay off the phone and pay attention so you won’t be surprised.
- Be aware of who is around you and what is going on.
- Residents shopping online should also take precautions to avoid having packages stolen from their porches.
It’s the busiest time of year for mail deliveries. Follow these tips to keep your packages as safe as possible this holiday season.
- If you’re not home, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your package for you.
- Install a video doorbell to monitor your front door.
- Add delivery instructions to keep packages off the front porch.
- Have packages delivered to your workplace if possible.
- Consider using a lockbox or Amazon Locker.
Report suspicious behavior to Hilliard police by calling the non-emergency line at (614) 876-7321. Call 911 if it’s an emergency.
