Authorities warn of elevated thefts following holidays

When someone thinks of the holiday season, they would typically think of a happy time full of family, friends, food and presents.

This is all true, but the holidays can also be a time for elevated levels of crime as some county law enforcement officials have noticed over the years.

Phil Campbell Police Chief Merrell Potter said during his 27 years in law enforcement, he has seen that the holidays are a time when more crimes, especially thefts, are committed.

“We have actually had a couple of break-ins in the last week and in the few weeks prior to that things had been fairly slow,” Potter said, “so we’ve seen an increase in crime here in Phil Campbell already.”

Officials have noticed that criminals take advantage of the holiday season because of the expectation of electronic or expensive Christmas presents that can be pawned at a high price. Would-be thieves can also take advantage of the fact that many people are out of town around the holidays and they are less likely to get caught.

“The best thing residents of Franklin County can do to prevent holiday thefts is to look out for one another,” Potter said. “Neighborhood watch programs can really help out around this time of year when people are gone from home.

“Neighbors in a rural community are usually accustomed to the daily routines of those that live around them. A police officer patrolling the area might not notice a suspicious vehicle parked in a driveway, but a neighbor might know that it doesn’t belong to anyone who lives or visits there. Watching out for one another can prevent crimes from taking place.”

Thefts in the home are not the only type of thefts that are increased during the holidays.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), more vehicle thefts occurred on New Year’s Day in 2009 than on any other holiday.

“While Americans are enjoying the holidays and most have time off from work, we need to remember that holidays are just another day at the shop for vehicle thieves,” the NICB said in a prepared statement.

“Drivers [should] be alert during the busy season. That includes parking in well-lit areas, keeping packages in the trunk or out of sight, and making sure your vehicle is locked while it’s parked.”

Potter added that, around the home, residents should also be aware of their surroundings.

“Residents should make sure they have well-lit areas around their house and keep their doors and windows secure.

“No matter how familiar you are with the area you live in, it’s always better to be cautious and careful.”