By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



As shoppers rush home with their treasures this Christmas season, the grinch may be waiting right around the corner.

The Gardendale Police Department is warning all residents to use caution during the holiday season while in stores and at home.

Lt. Marty Brown said the department implemented measures after Thanksgiving to help keep stores and homes safer through the holiday season.

The department typically assigns an officer to what’s known as the “holiday car.” That officer’s job is to check the security of Gardendale businesses, patrol parking lots and issue parking violations.

Brown said while the patrol unit is helpful, the police department can’t be everywhere at once. He said shoppers and homeowners need to be mindful that crime increases during the holiday season and residents should protect themselves.

“Most people are away from home from 8 to 5 and they’re putting gifts under the trees,” he said. “The holiday car covers the businesses, but if someone sees something suspicious [in a neighborhood], they need to let us know.”

Brown said the most important thing to remember during the holiday season is to be aware of surroundings. He said women especially need to keep an eye on their purses.

“A woman may leave her purse in a buggy just for a second and turn around and her wallet will be stolen,” he said. “I know it’s difficult for a woman to keep her purse on her person at all times, but that’s one of our most common crimes.”

A big part of the Christmas season is also giving to charities. Brown said con artists are also more common this time of year because people have their guard down and are willing to help someone in need.

“You have to be leery of someone coming up and asking for donations,” he said. “These people practice these things and know how to pick their targets. Always shop with the buddy system; there’s safety in numbers.”

Brown also offered additional tips to shoppers to keep in mind this holiday season:

• avoid carrying large amounts of cash; carry a debit or credit card instead

• lock your car and carry your keys with you

• don’t leave items inside your car; lock them in the trunk instead

• if shopping at night, park in a well-lit area at the front of the store

• if you feel unsafe or feel something isn’t right, go back into the store instead of going to your car.

“These are things shoppers need to think about year-round,” Brown said. “We emphasize it at this time of year because people’s attention isn’t always where it should be.”