With recession, police warn of increase in holiday thefts

Property thefts usually spike around the holidays, officials say, but, given the current economic climate, residents should be extra vigilant this year.

"Typically we do see an increase," said Williams Police Sgt. Ed Anderson. "But we're definitely out in full force deterring that type of crime."

Anderson said reported burglaries have actually gone down this month, but said residents should still be cautious.

"This month burglaries are down, last month they were up," Anderson said.

Willows Police Chief Bill Spears said he expects reported property thefts to increase nearly everywhere. The combination of holiday shopping, a troubled economy, and people leaving their homes on vacation makes that increase likely, he said.

"Every study shows that in times of recession property crime will increase," Spears said. "When people aren't working, they start looking at criminal opportunities."

Budgetary issues have also limited law enforcements ability to pursue reports of property crime, officials said.

"Every year the general trend is up" Glenn County sheriff's Lt. Phil Revolinsky
said. "And every year we have fewer cops on the streets."

Anderson said people leaving their homes for vacation can take a number of steps to protect their homes.

"Make sure all your property is locked up, not just your home," Anderson said. "If you have a shed or any type of outbuilding, that's the second thing they'll go for."

Revolinsky recommends asking neighbors to keep an eye on your home while you're gone.

"I'm a big believer in the neighborhood watch idea," he said.

Leaving one or two lights on inside the house and possibly a radio or television creates the illusion your home is occupied, officials said.

"If they think you're home it makes it harder for them to steal stuff," Revolinsky said.

Holiday shoppers are particularly vulnerable because property is usually still packaged.

Police recommend keeping presents concealed as much as possible by storing them out of sight.

"Piling gifts under a Christmas tree by a window is like making a menu of items for thieves that's there for the picking," Spears said.

Men are encouraged to carry their wallet in their front pockets while shopping and women to carry their purses zipped and upside down.

"The idea is that if you're confronted by a thief, you could quickly unzip the purse and the contents would fall on the ground, which makes his life a lot harder," Spears said.

Officials said being aware and proactive can help prevent you from being victimized.

"We'd always rather prevent a crime than solve it," Revolinsky said.

Contact Rob Parsons at 934-6800 or rparsons@tcnpress.com.