Christmas thefts can be thwarted

Monday, Nov. 25, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Metro Police and mall security forces can always use extra eyes during the holiday shopping season, which gets under way in earnest this week.

This year, they will have them in the form of a new citizens watchdog program called SHOP -- Safe Holiday Observations Patrol.

"These volunteers are graduates of the Metro Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, and they won't be doing anything dangerous like tackling suspects or sting operations," said Metro Crime Prevention Specialist Steven Nylen.

"They will serve only as good witnesses."

SHOP was implemented by Metro Crime Prevention Specialist Ron Corbin, who studied a successful similar program in Southern California, and will supervise the local version.

Here's how it works: Participants will walk around stores and parking lots like ordinary Christmas shoppers. When they see a suspicious person following a shopper or trying to break into a car, they use a two-way radio to contact mall security dispatch and give a description of what is going on and the location.

The program, which Nylen said eventually could be used for other busy shopping times, will be tested this yuletide season at two area malls.

It couldn't come at a better time, Nylen notes, as there have been an unusually high number of purse snatching at area stores and pickpockets at bus stops in recent months.

"Statistics show that we are having a serious problem with purse snatching," Nylen said. "To prevent it, we recommend that women carry their cash, the credit cards they plan on using and a few unsigned checks in a small coin purse."

Nylen said that women also should wear clothing with fairly deep pockets in which they keep that purse.

If they also want to carry a purse, they should keep only nonessential items in it. That way, a thief will wind up only with tissues and makeup.

Nylen said men should keep their wallets in their front pockets and keep their hand over the opening of the pocket, especially in crowded areas.

For those who wear fanny packs, Nylen recommends that a coat or sweater be warn over them to further protect the contents from theft.

"Those precautions will make it difficult for thieves who often will give up and look for easier targets," Nylen said.

The most important precaution is to remain alert.

"People get caught up in the spirit of the holiday and start to think about everything but their own safety," Nylen said.

"Doing alert things like separating your car keys from your house keys will prevent the thief from having access to your home if he takes your car."

Also, people need to be aware of door-to-door solicitors who say they are collecting for various charitable organizations. Some actually are collecting for themselves.

"It is recommended that if you want to give donations, go to the established charity's office to give the money," Nylen said. "If someone comes to your door collecting, ask to see his license, which by law they must have."

To prevent becoming a victim of burglary, it is recommended that gifts not be placed under the Christmas tree, especially if the curtains are to remain open to show off the brightly decorated symbol of the season.

"Burglars walk right up to the window, see the wrapped gifts and figure there has to be something of value in them," Nylen said.

At the very least, Nylen recommends that people shut their drapes when they leave the house. And, he says, if possible, wait until Christmas Eve to put the wrapped gifts under the tree.

Other safety precautions recommended by police and safety organizations:

* Put purchases in the car's trunk. If some items have to be put in the back seat, cover them with a blanket.

* Park close to the store and under a light.

* Be aware of people standing around and perhaps watching you or your car.

* Always lock your car even if you plan to be in the store just a few minutes.

* Before getting into your car, look under the vehicle and in the back seat for potential assailants.

* Never flash money, whether in a store or at an automated teller machine. Put a small amount of money you intend to spend in one pocket and the bulk of your cash in another pocket and pull out just the small wad when making a purchase.

* After Christmas, boxes that contained big-ticket items (computers, TV sets, etc.) should be broken down and tied up before they are put out with the trash. An intact box tells burglars what was opened in a particular home on Christmas Day.