Here’s how CMPD says you can avoid having your holiday shopping season ruined
Charlotte isn’t Whoville and doesn’t have a Grinch, but that doesn’t mean shoppers’ purchases are totally safe from holiday thieves, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer said Thursday.
With the gift-giving season quickly approaching, CMPD officer Ron Hill gave shoppers advice on how to keep themselves and their belongings safe this holiday season.
“We want to remind you to stay alert, stay aware of your surroundings, and don’t let your guard down,” Hill said at a press conference. “Especially when you’re out shopping in crowded places.”
CMPD will focus on patrolling major shopping centers, Hill said, and the department’s Organized Retail Crime Unit will work with the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and federal law enforcement to conduct undercover operations to catch habitual offenders, Hill said.
“It’s at the request of businesses,” Hill said. “To those considering retail theft: know that CMPD is actively monitoring and patrolling. Our presence may not always be visible, but we are there.”
However, even with increased law enforcement, it’s still important for shoppers to take proper precautions, Hill said.
Lock your car and keep your items hidden
Hill said one of the easiest ways for shoppers to protect themselves and their purchases is to ensure their vehicles are locked and parked in well-lit areas. Theft is a crime of opportunity, Hill said, and people who break into cars often just walk through parking areas checking door handles to see if they’re unlocked.
“If you’re shopping in one store, and you plan on going to another one, put the items in your trunk before getting into your second destination,” Hill said.
He said other items, like bags, purses and phones, should also be concealed. And people should also avoid displaying large amounts of cash, Hill said.
“If you’re out flaunting cash like you’re in an early 2000s music video, it’s going to be highly noticeable,” Hill said. “You’re putting a target on your back when you do that.”
Coordinate with family and friends
Family and friends should work together to keep each other safe , Hill said. That could be by shopping together or having packages delivered to each other's homes.
Aside from cars, thieves will steal packages from peoples’ homes, Hill said. Having them delivered to places that people can trust can help avoid this, he said.
“Consider having your packages delivered to a workplace or a secure location as alternatives,” Hill said. “And track your packages.”
People can also keep track of packages through a United States Postal Service program called “informed delivery,” Hill said.
People who sign up can track mail and packages, as well as see previews of what’s being delivered. More information can be found on the USPS website.
Keep transactions safe and public
For people meeting in-person to buy or sell items, Hill recommended they meet somewhere public.
Gas stations are one option, Hill said.
“Consider using one of our designated safe exchange zones that’s established through our partnership with QuikTrip,” Hill said. “Cops go to gas stations. We like coffee, like doughnuts. We do zone check them quite a bit.”
If not a gas station, Hill said CMPD office parking lots are available publicly and can be used for transactions as well. Choosing that location may also discourage scammers from meeting up, Hill said.
“A little vigilance can go a long way,” Hill said.
