Dallas Co. Sheriff offers Christmas shopper safety tips

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

Law enforcement officials are warning people to stay alert when they’re out shopping during the Christmas holiday season.

Christmas may be the Season of Giving — but it’s also a season for taking. Every year during the Christmas holiday season — thieves and robbers — come out on the prowl.

“You know it is a sad fact this time of the year crime does pick up,” said Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum.

Still Granthum says there are things people can do to reduce their chances of becoming a Christmas season crime victim.

“The number one thing, in my opinion, is be aware. Just be aware of your surroundings. And try to shop during daylight hours. Shop with some family, shop with some friends. Cause crooks don’t like a big crowd. They don’t want witnesses. Don’t shop alone. Don’t shop at night. Try to shop during the daylight hours.”

Granthum says anyone shopping after dark should always park in a well lit area. And never leave purchases in plain sight inside a vehicle.

“Most of it’s common sense. If you’re in there to buy an item that’s maybe a hundred dollars and you just went to the ATM, you know, don’t pull out a wad of five or six hundred dollars to pay for an item. Separate your money. Put it in different pockets. Be careful with your ATM card and your credit cards,” said Granthum.

Granthum says the new SkyCop — video camera security system — and beefed up patrols — will add an extra layer of protection for holiday shoppers.

“We have everybody out. We actually start three days before Thanksgiving, we go to after the first of the year.

Selma Police will also have beefed up patrols at shopping centers — and retail stores around the Queen City.