Throughout the holiday season, Dublin Police will deploy extra staff to highly traveled commercial areas to conduct a Holiday Crime Suppression Detail. The operation will target crime trends that are common during the holiday season. The increase in staff will include marked and unmarked patrol vehicles, and officers on foot patrol and bicycles. Additional patrols will also be on the lookout for those driving under the influence.
While shopping during the holiday season, it is easy to be forgetful about personal property and safety. As a result, people are vulnerable to theft and other crimes. Follow some easy steps to protect yourself and your property:
* Park your car in a well-lit area, as close as you can to the shops.
* Do not leave packages, shopping bags, or valuables in plain view in your car.
* Parked cars should have all windows tightly closed and all doors locked.
* Lock your packages and other valuables in your vehicle's trunk. If your automobile does not have a trunk, be certain that valuables are out of sight or concealed so they cannot be easily identified.
* Always be aware of your surroundings. Be cautious of strangers approaching you for any reason. Criminals often try various methods of distraction with the intent of stealing money or belongings.
* While inside stores, never place packages on the floor or counters, or leave them unattended when purchasing additional items.
* Always have your car keys readily available in your hand before you walk to your car; scan the interior of your car to be sure no one is hiding inside.
* Women should carry purses under their arms, and men should carry wallets in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket.
* Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Whenever possible, pay for purchases with checks or credit cards.
* When you arrive home, remove all packages from your vehicle.
* Shoppers should report any suspicious activity to the police department by calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line at 925-462-1212. If you see something, say something.
Also beware of "porch pirates" who steal a homeowner's mail or packages. Consider investing in a personal package locker or an Amazon locker for package deliveries, or have your packages delivered to your workplace. For mail delivery, consider purchasing a mailbox that can be locked.
