Jefferson City police have issued a seasonal crime prevention reminder in the wake of a recent incident.
The cautionary tale stems from a recent theft of mailed parcels from residences in Callaway County. Local police were involved in the arrests of the suspects in Jefferson City.
Police are reminding residents during the holiday season "to be vigilant about their package and mail deliveries." Police advise residents to be certain "if they are on vacation or absent from their homes for any length of time, to have neighbors, family members or friends routinely check on their home to prevent possible thefts of these items."
In the recent case, a video from the resident's home security system was posted on Facebook by the victim and helped lead to the arrest.
As always, police ask residents to report suspicious activity to the department at 634-6400 or call 911 in an emergency.
Thefts of mailed parcels are among the crimes that proliferate during the holiday shopping season.
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) offers the following safety tips for holiday shoppers.
• Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
• Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.
• Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as one-time or multi-use disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.
• Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
• Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit.
• When walking to and from your vehicle, carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket. Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
• Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.
Thieves are attracted by the money shoppers carry and the valuable gifts they buy, carry and transport during the holiday shopping season.
Discourage them by practicing vigilance and taking precautions.