LAPD Topanga Station Issues Holiday Shopping Crime Prevention Tips
Some helpful tips from LAPD’s E-Policing Newsletter:
Some helpful tips for the Holiday Shopping Season.
#1 When making large purchases take them home instead of leaving them in your car. Many thieves prowl the parking lots looking for victims who drop off heavy packages in their cars to continue shopping.
#2 Protect your purses. Never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart or in a dressing room. Thieves will take every opportunity to steal your purse. Always maintain physical control of your purse, wearing it if possible.
#3 Protect your credit card numbers. Shopping Mall’s fall victim to teams of Conmen and Women who use every conceivable method to obtain your credit card numbers. Once these numbers are obtained they charge your accounts to maximum levels.
#4 A favorite Holiday gift to give and receive are Gift Cards. Thieves also target the mail in search of envelopes containing these gift cards. Community members without secured mailboxes should be aware of their mail drop off time and ensure that it is picked up as soon after delivery as possible. Many community members are at work during these drop off times. It is the perfect time for the neighborhood to keep an eye out for one another. Report mail theft to Topanga Station and attempt to obtain the suspects license plate numbers.
#5 A recent trend in the San Fernando Valley has been the “UPS” follow home thefts. Suspects have been following UPS/FED EX/ USPS trucks dropping off packages in the neighborhoods. These thieves will watch a package being dropped off and left at the door. If the package is not immediately picked up, the Thief will steal the package and its contents. With the Holiday Season coming closer we can expect that this crime trend will continue. Again, this is a very good time for neighbors to look out for each other. Consider delivering the package with a requirement that the receiver must sign for it. This is of course an inconvenience but not as big an inconvenience as never receiving the package.
The Key to a safe Holiday is to always be vigilant. Report crimes to the Police and look out for your neighbor. For more information contact your area Senior Lead Office, or attend a neighborhood Watch meeting.
Officer Dennis Cunningham Senior Lead Officer, Topanga Division/LAPD818-756-3070
Hopefully we can all stay safe and not be victimized this holiday season!
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