While scooping up the bargains, take precautions against thieves

EVERETT — For a few moments, think like a crook.

Look in your car windows. Do you see electronics? Receipts and mail? Shopping bags?

Car prowls always increase during the holidays, particularly at shopping centers, Everett police spokesman Aaron Snell said. Those items are particularly attractive to the bad guys.

“They’re willing to break windows, break into cars, get what they can get and sort it out later,” he said.

Snell doesn’t want people to be paranoid or go overboard on caution, he said, but they should make sure safety precautions are part of their holiday shopping plans.

The Lynnwood Police Department recently conducted a quick check of vehicles parked at Edmonds Community College. Roughly half of the 270 cars were deemed “easy targets” for thieves, said Lisa Wellington, a crime prevention specialist.

Police officers and their volunteers saw “purses, lots of loose change, skateboards, open windows, unlocked cars, GPS units, iPods, cellphones, expensive-looking boots (and) clothing, personal ID … and lots of food,” she said.

The most important step is keeping items inside cars out of plain sight, Snell said.

Thieves also are known to hang around mall parking lots, looking for people who put shopping bags in their cars and then head back inside, according to police.

While shopping, be careful walking to your car, especially at night, according to the Mountlake Terrace Police Department. Avoid displaying your smartphone or wearing expensive jewelry. Don’t leave cash or credit cards in the car, or your purse in your shopping cart.

Car prowls aren’t the only safety concern during the holidays. Every year, children get lost while their parents shop, Snell said.

“Keep children close to you at all times,” he said. “In the mass of people, everyone’s busy, sometimes children slip away.”

People also should try to keep delivered packages from sitting on their doorsteps. Ask a neighbor to snag packages for safe keeping, or arrange for pick-up at a delivery center.

“Its substantially more inconvenient but it’s definitely worth it,” Snell said.

When presents get unwrapped, make sure to break down or crush packaging for expensive gifts, such as TVs, Snell said. Otherwise, the recycling bin is advertising for burglars.

Don’t leave curtains open showing an inviting pile of wrapped gifts under the tree, either.

As colder weather continues, also make sure your home and vehicle have well-stocked emergency kits with water, food and batteries.

Reporter Melissa Slager contributed to this story.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.

Don’t become a victim

*If possible, people should find a baby-sitter for shopping trips. Children get lost more easily in big crowds. If parents bring children along, don’t let them go into restrooms or fitting rooms alone. Pick a meet-up place in case anyone gets lost.

*Park in well-lit areas. Remember where you parked. Roll up the car windows and lock all doors. If you have a removable car stereo, remove it. Don’t leave packages or bags of any kind visible on the seats or floor of your car. Don’t leave anything anywhere in the car that can be used for identity theft, such as checkbooks, financial receipts and mail.

*Between the store and your car, keep your keys in your hand and walk purposely. Make sure nobody is in the car, and lock the doors immediately once you get inside. If you’re leaving the store alone at night, ask if they can provide a security escort.

*Be discreet about money or other valuables you are carrying.

*Stay alert in crowds. A thief can use the cover of the crowd to make a quick getaway.

*Take only the credit cards you need for shopping and leave the rest at home.

*Women should carry purses close to their bodies and separate cash from credit cards. Don’t keep your keys in your purse. If someone nabs it, they’ll have your home address — and a way to get inside.

*Men should consider carrying wallets in a front pocket and putting a large rubber band around it. That can prevent pickpockets.

*If you put shopping bags in the trunk, move your car before heading back in the store.

*Don’t leave the car unlocked when it’s warming up in the morning. Cold mornings are a favorite time for car thieves.