Middle Township Police Offer Holiday Safety Tips

COURT HOUSE – The holidays are that time of year that brings out the best in us. For some, however, it can also bring out the worst.
Mix together tough economic times, the need for holiday cash, and a criminal element and it’s a crime cocktail just waiting to happen to unsuspecting holiday shoppers.
The Herald has received reports of people walking through store parking lots trying car doors, hoping to find an unlocked vehicle that would mean paydirt for the thief.
According to Capt. John Edwards of the Middle Township Police Department, an unlocked vehicle is a thief’s dream.
“A thief is an opportunist,” Edwards told the Herald. “They don’t want a physical confrontation.”
Edwards added that most of the car break-ins occur in unlocked vehicles.
“Very rarely do we have a window or glass broken,” he said. “It’s usually open car doors.”
Once outside the car, purses tend to be next on a thief’s Christmas list.
“If you don’t need your purse, don’t take it with you,” said Edwards. He suggested removing what you need from your purse and locking the handbag safely in the trunk.
“Leave it concealed in your car,” he said.
For those choosing to take their handbag along, Edwards stressed keeping it close at all times. Never leave it unattended or in a shopping cart ­ even momentarily.
“When you’re not suspecting it, it will happen,” he said. “It only takes a second.”
Edwards said thieves sometimes work in pairs, using one partner to distract the victim while the other pinches the purse.If you do see something suspicious, contact the police immediately.
“If you see a suspicious person, or want to report a crime, call 9-1-1,” said the captain. “The only way we can effectively do our job is with the public’s help.”