Chief’s Column: Remember, criminals love the holidays, too!

Although many stores and online sites have already begun their holiday bargain offerings, the day after Thanksgiving usually marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. This is a festive time for children and adults but remember, criminals love the holidays as much as everyone else, chiefly because it’s a perfect opportunity to commit a crime.

As always, many shoppers will be out early to find those big bargains on Black Friday and the days that follow. For everyone’s protection, the Grafton Police Department would once again like to offer the following information to help you shop safely both in stores and online.

• It goes without saying but if you plan to shop in stores, remember to follow recommended COVID-19 precautions including staying home if you feel sick.
• Place any valuables in the trunk of your vehicle before you go shopping. Criminals are in the parking lots watching what you put in your car.
• Keep shopping bags, valuables, purses and wallets close to you. Keep purses or bags closed. The more expensive an item, the closer to your body it should be.
• Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
• Make sure you have a cell phone with you in case you need to call the police in the event of an emergency situation.
• Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit. Report anything suspicious.
• Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
• If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you get separated. Select a central meeting place and make sure they know they can ask clearly identifiable mall personnel or store security employees if they need help.
• Watch out for friendly strangers. They may ask a question or offer to assist you with your bags to distract you or put you in a compromising situation.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in. Get in your car and leave. Don’t start texting or talking on the phone or balancing your checkbook. Lock the doors and leave.
• When shopping online, make sure you are dealing with a reputable online store. On checkout, before entering your payment information, make sure the page is encrypted and secure. Keep your anti-virus, anti-phishing software up to date. Check the return policy before placing your order.
• Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.
• Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as one time or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.
• After opening gifts, don’t advertise to criminals about your big-ticket item with your trash. Tear down and cut up product boxes into small pieces to fit into garbage and recycling cans.

Happy Holidays from the members of the Grafton Police Department.

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.

Chief of Police