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From: Lieut. Dave Brown Date: November 26, 2007 Subject: Holiday Shopping Safety Tips
The Lynn Police Department would like to take the time, to remind citizens of some simple safety precautions, when shopping this Holiday Season. During this busy time of year, we often become so involved with the task at hand, that we do not pay attention to our surroundings. As a result, we can unwittingly make ourselves inviting targets for would be thieves. When shopping, take the time to notice who is around you. Make observations of people, by studying their body language. If a situation or person causes you to feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts, and simply walk away. Often, a thief will approach and attempt to take advantage of a person’s good nature. They may ask for directions, the right time of day, if you can make change, or they may pretend to know you. These tactics may cause potential witnesses to dismiss the encounter. The suspect who approaches, could be a male or female, or may be acting with someone else. One may cause a distraction, while the other bumps into you and steals your wallet, or grabs your pocketbook from your shopping carriage. In most of these cases, the suspect is being driven by the need to feed a drug addiction. Such individuals may exhibit characteristics as: nervousness, talking fast, being jittery, sweating or mumbling when speaking. If approached by someone who makes you feel uncomfortable, direct them to seek assistance in the business you just left or you are going to. Speak loudly, so other people take notice of you. If someone pretends to know you, insist that you do not know them. If you look like you will be a difficult target, they will often move on. If someone becomes physical and grabs your purse or wallet, they will use whatever force necessary to take the item from you. They are not thinking about criminal penalties or the serious injuries which could result. They are focused on the fact that they need money to buy drugs. If you are victimized, do not struggle. Try to compose yourself, and become the best possible witness you can. If possible, look the suspect directly in the face, and take mental notes of a physical description such as: facial features, hair, build and clothing. Try to determine if a vehicle or someone else is involved. Most importantly, call the police immediately, time is of the essence. There are some preventable steps one can take in order to become a less attractive target. This may include, parking your vehicle near the front of a store, or under a parking lot light at night. Prior to exiting or entering your vehicle, always look to see who is around you. Immediately, lock car doors, and secure packages out of sight. When going out, leave extra items at home. Take only the money, credit cards, and checkbook that you need. Keep these items in a small pocketbook or wallet, which can be concealed inside a jacket, or held tightly when exiting your vehicle and shopping. Never leave your pocketbook unattended in a shopping carriage! Just by turning your back for a few seconds, provides all the opportunity a thief needs. These types of crimes are not exclusively limited to our city. The parking lots of large supermarkets and malls can allow a suspect’s car to blend in. They can watch for, and pick out a victim they believe will be an easy target. Fortunately, large supermarkets and malls will often have private security, and/or police officers working security details. This, in combination with video surveillance equipment, can help prevent and solve such crimes. Additionally, The Lynn Police Department may utilize various decoy methods. For example, a police officer may wear a disguise, and play the part of a vulnerable civilian. These methods keep thieves guessing, and can help deter such crimes.
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