Use Common Sense to Keep Gifts and Wallet Safe While Christmas Shopping

Black Friday is over, but holiday shopping is just getting underway, and Toccoa Police are urging shoppers to be smart about keeping their packages and money safe.

Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell said his officers will be out in force looking for those more interested in taking rather than giving this holiday season.

“Even though the largest shopping day has passed us by, there are still a lot of retailers who will have sales and clearance items. So, we’re increasing our foot patrol and we also have officers assigned to some of those areas as special details in an effort to reduce thefts,” he said.

And Jarrell has a few tips to make sure your gifts are under your tree on Christmas and not someone else’s.

Jarrell says first, keep those packages out of sight when shopping.

“We’re asking shoppers to place their packages in the trunk of their vehicle or put them somewhere where they can’t be seen from the outside. We also want them to be mindful of their location and where they’re parked,” Jarrell explained. “We also want them to make sure their car door is locked and to make sure that they lock their doors at their residence also.”

And when arriving at your destination, the Chief said to park as close to that store as possible and avoid parking next to campers, vans or cars with dark tinted windows.

Another tip, according to Jarrell is to make sure you have your car keys out before you leave the store.

If shopping alone at night, ask a store security guard to walk you to your vehicle.

And when in the store, Jarrell says keep an eye on your pocketbook or wallet.

“We’ve had some incidents in the past where ladies have left their purses open in their buggies and have turned to look at an item and while doing so, someone has taken out their wallet and made away with it. So we’d like to remind everyone, men and women, to be mindful of where their purses and wallets are; keep them with them at all times,” Jarrell said.

Cyber Monday was yesterday and we’ve all heard the stories of packages being stolen from people’s front door when they were not at home.

So for those who are doing most of the gift shopping online this year, Jarrell advises scheduling delivery of those packages at a time when someone will be home to sign for them.

Or have them delivered to your workplace or to a relative you know will be home.