'Tis the season to rip off your fellow man

Law enforcement urges precautions against holiday theft

COLUMBIA BASIN — It's the most wonderful time of the year. But if you're not careful, a burglary or theft could turn that Christmas cheer into holiday jeer.

"We do experience an increase in thefts and burglaries over the holiday season," said Grant County Sheriff's Deputy Jay Atwood.

The GCSO issued a public service announcement earlier this month, encouraging residents to be cognizant of their surroundings and to try to be safe and secure during the holiday season.

Stolen credit cards, car prowls, the forging of checks, solicitations from fake charities all seem to be at their annual peaks, the GCSO said. These property crime increases are ones Atwood notices every year, in part due to shorter daylight hours and property owner complacency.

"Thefts and burglaries are crimes of opportunity," Atwood said. "And sometimes we allow that opportunity by leaving doors open, leaving windows open."

To hinder those crimes of opportunity, Atwood suggests potential victims take precautions like locking the doors to their homes or vehicles. He also suggested not making the public aware of what you have in your home, by talking about that new diamond ring or other big purchase.

At this time of year when extra shopping is going on, Atwood suggested taking extra precautions when making holiday purchases. Don't just leave Christmas presents uncovered in the back seat, and be aware of where you are when locking your car.

Another potential theft occurs when the weather is cold, Atwood said. Motorists often leave their cars unattended and unlocked while it warms up, a strategy Atwood said can open that driver up for a car prowl or even vehicle theft.

To secure laptop computers, stereos and other high-tech items, the number one thing Atwood suggests is knowing exactly what you own. All too often, Atwood said, people don't have makes and models or serial numbers to verify what computer or stereo has been stolen. He suggests copying down those serial numbers. For those pieces of property that don't have a serial number, he said the GCSO can track found items if they are marked with the owner's Washington State driver's license number.

The Moses Lake Police Department hasn't seen any increases in burglaries, but Captain Jim Jenkins has noticed an increase in shoplifting in recent weeks.

While there are few precautions to be made to protect from shoplifting and robberies, Jenkins said the MLPD can work with business owners to make sure "common sense" procedures are in place.

Jenkins mentioned having a proper surveillance system and making sure two clerks are always on duty as some of those procedures.

For residents concerned about burglaries, Jenkins residents should lock their doors and know their neighbors. If you see a suspicious person you don't recognize, Jenkins encourages residents to call the police.

"Residents have to watch out for each other," Jenkins said when being on the lookout for suspicious activity.

Atwood suggests residents work together and contact those neighbors, and the police, if they see something suspicious.

"If somebody has a gut feeling that something's wrong," Atwood said, "they should absolutely call dispatch service."

Residents in the Moses Lake area of Grant County can call the dispatch of the Multi Agency Communications Center at (509) 762-1160. Residents can also call MACC dispatch toll free at 1 (888) 431-9911, or 911 in the case of an emergency.