Watch for holiday crime, sheriff says

EPHRATA - As county residents embark on a new holiday season, Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones reminds the public to be helpful in the prevention of holiday crime.

“Property owners should remember that thieves are active year-round and will target any property for theft,” Jones said. “This includes inside and outside of homes.”

According to Jones, thieves will target metal, equipment, deliveries left at a home’s front door, and anything of value left unattended.

“Make sure to keep an eye on your property and your neighbor’s property, and to call 9-1-1 if anything suspicious is seen,” Jones said.

Other holiday safety and crime prevention tips:

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Criminals often target people who are distracted talking on cell phones or using other electronic devices.
• Travel on populated lighted streets.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Avoid leaving ANYTHING (e.g., cell phone chargers, GPS suction cups, loose change) in your car. Secure packages in the trunk where they cannot be seen, and lock your car.
• Use ATMs wisely.
• Avoid package delivery theft: if you are having items delivered to your home, ask shipping companies for tracking numbers, and require signatures for all deliveries. If you are not at home, have the package left at a local shipping center.
• At home, valuables should be placed out of sight from your windows.
• Be wary of con artists - people knocking on doors seeking donations.
• Ensure your doors and windows are locked.
• If you are not home, give an appearance as if you were by leaving a couple of lights on, or leave the television or radio playing.
• If you are going to be out of town, stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
• Shred or place cartons from high value products in heavy duty green or black garbage bags.
• If you consume alcohol, drink responsibly, and don’t drink and drive! Have a designated driver or call a friend or taxi for a ride home
• Call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity.

If you have information on a crime, call 509-762-1160, or send information to crimetips@grantcountywa.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.