EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY		CONTACT:	Jim Bove, 425-556-2545
December 10, 2007

Redmond Police Reminds Citizens: ’Tis the Season to Give…and Take

Thanksgiving turkey… mashed potatoes….stuffing …GPS units…and credit card numbers. They are all likely to disappear from under your turkey-scented nose this time of year if you aren’t careful. As the shopping bills increase, so too do the number of theft crimes.

As of November 27th, there have been 524 car prowls reported to the Redmond Police Department, compared to 487 in 2006 at the same time, an increase of 8%. Fraud and identity theft is down from 283 in 2006 to 237. With holiday shopping in full swing, there are more opportunities for these to occur. The most important thing you can do to stay safe is simple—take preventative measures.

Crime prevention tips for the holiday season:

• Lock your doors! It doesn’t matter where you are going or how long you will be there.
• Secure valuables before you park—thieves may be watching you as you exit your vehicle. If you purchase items or have valuables in your car, then put them in the trunk.
• Avoid parking next to trucks, SUVs, or anything that may serve as a shield for thieves.
• Shop during daylight hours and park in well-lit areas.
• Be certain everything you carry, including shopping bags, is in clear view and protected.
• Avoid carrying a lot of cash.
• Keep credit cards safe. When paying, keep the card face down or covered and if using an ATM card then shield yourself when entering the PIN. Shred all receipts or bills.
• Inform trusted neighbors that you will be out of town.
• Don’t leave mail in your mailbox for an extended period.

“If a person believes credit card or bank information has been taken, then the issuing company should be contacted immediately,” said Jim Bove, spokesperson for the Redmond Police Department. “As always, to report a possible crime, call 911 immediately from the location of the occurrence. The worst thing that can be done is leaving the scene of a crime because the victim may leave the local police department’s jurisdiction. The holidays are fun for everyone, but it’s important to stay safe and take precautionary actions.”

If your neighborhood or apartment complex is interested in organizing a Neighborhood Watch or Apartment Watch program, please contact Jim Bove, Community Outreach Facilitator for the Redmond Police Department, at 425-556-2545 or jbove@redmond.gov.

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