ROCKINGHAM — Police are offering tips to holiday shoppers to keep the Grinches of Richmond County from stealing their Christmas.
“Don’t leave pocketbooks or gifts in plain view,” Rockingham Police Chief Billy Kelly said earlier this week. “Put them in the trunk.”
Kelly also reminds shoppers to lock their doors and roll up the windows. He said officers have seen purchases inside vehicles with windows down or cracked on warm days.
RPD Capt. Eddie Grant added that store customers should “always park in well-lighted areas,” and have their keys ready to make entry into their vehicles.
He also suggested using the buddy system when shopping.
“It’s more likely you’re going to get attacked if you’re by yourself,” he said.
The Christmas shopping season officially begins today with predawn Black Friday deals — though many stores offered Thanksgiving Day doorbusters as well. The following day, business boosters are encouraging folks to take part in Small Business Saturday promotions in downtown Rockingham.
Kelly said offers will be working special assignments at city businesses during the holiday shopping season, on the lookout for thefts — from both the stores and the shoppers. He added that Belk and Walmart usually hire off-duty police officers to help with security.
The chief doesn’t recall any issues from last year, or many over the past several years, but that doesn’t mean shoppers should let their guards down. Larceny is one of the most frequent crimes in Richmond County.
“Social media can be a problem, too, ” said Grant, regarding posts about going shopping, what purchases were made or going out of town. “That lets people know when you’re going to be gone.”
For those who travel for extended periods of time to visit family and friends, Kelly said to let neighbors know, so they can keep an eye on things.
City residents can also call the police department and an officer will go by their homes at night to perform a security check.
If you have an alarm, Kelly said to make sure it’s set and even if you don’t, make sure your doors are locked.
Reach reporter William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_toler.