From: Chief PK Johnson
Millbrook Police Department
The City of Millbrook will host its annual Christmas tree lighting on December 4th, with our Christmas parade to follow on December 6th. With the passing of Thanksgiving and a chill in the air, there is no doubt that the Christmas season is upon us. That means many of us will be out shopping for gifts for family and friends and traveling out of town to spend time and visit our loved ones in weeks to come. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year that law enforcement sees an increase in property crimes. The following are tips that may be helpful in helping our citizens avoid becoming a victim of property crime:
When shopping for gifts, always park in well lit areas and avoid traveling alone, particularly after dark.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. This includes while inside the shops, as well as when entering a business or while returning to your vehicle. Have keys and a cell phone accessible.
Keep your valuables, i.e. purses, wallets, checkbooks and cell phones, on your person at all times. They become easy targets when left in a shopping cart, even when you are standing with the cart. These items, should they be taken, could lead to the much more serious problems associated with identity theft and credit card fraud.
Never leave valuables visible in a vehicle. Secure them in the trunk or rear storage area of your vehicle.
Once you’ve made it home with your newly purchased items, do not leave boxes that advertise your purchases visible outside your home. Large screen televisions, computers and popular video game systems are traditionally the most sought after targets of would be thieves. Dispose of these boxes discretely.
Although everyone appreciates the well decorated Christmas tree proudly displayed for all to view through a window, please keep in mind that window shopping does not just occur at our local shopping establishments.
All valuables should be kept secluded from public view, so as not to advertise what a potential thief may be looking for.
Should you be planning a holiday trip, notify your local police department and request that a vacation home check be completed during the time that you will be out of town. Let a trusted neighbor or family member know that you will be gone and ask that they notify police should they view any suspicious activity in your absence.
Keep a detailed record of your items of significant value. Photographs, model and serial numbers, accurate descriptions and actual item cost/value are important for insurance purposes and may be extremely helpful in assisting law enforcement identify and recover your property.
Make sure that any security features that you have available are serviced regularly and in proper working order. Alarm systems and surveillance equipment are no good if they are not activated and working properly.
Be aware of suspicious activity in and around your neighborhood. Notify law enforcement of any suspicious subjects and or activity promptly.
It’s a shame that we have to have this conversation every year. If at no other time of the year, one would think you would not have to worry about folks taking your property during the Christmas season. Unfortunately, 80% of all crimes are committed due to opportunity and because we, as a general rule, have gotten so preoccupied and busy in our lives that we do not pay attention to our surroundings and what is going on. Criminals know that most people are shopping for Christmas gifts this time of year. You are much more likely to have items of value on hand, be it inside your home, vehicle or stored elsewhere.
During the holiday season our officers will be providing extra patrol to our shopping centers and area businesses. We will also be stepping up patrols in our residential areas. Having officers highly visible in these areas will serve as a deterrent to those that may be looking for an opportunity to commit a crime. That alone will not be enough. We are asking that our citizens help us to assist them by being observant and reporting any suspicious subject or activity to local law enforcement. You may prevent a crime from occurring or help us apprehend a criminal that has committed a criminal offense. Please, do not concern yourself that you are bothering us or wasting our time. That is what we are here for. If we respond to a situation that turns out to be harmless, that’s fine. It’s the call we do not get that usually turns out to be an actual crime. Many crimes have been either prevented or solved thanks to a simple phone call from an observant citizen. We at the Millbrook Police Department would like to wish our citizens a Merry Christmas, as well as a Safe and Prosperous New Year!
