‘Tis the season to watch out for criminals. Homes and cars can be broken into and people can be robbed this time of year as the criminals take advantage of the Christmas shopping season. Missouri Police Chiefs Association Executive Director Sheldon Lineback says the key to keeping safe is to not give criminals opportunities by leaving the front door unlocked, packages visible in the car, and purses out in the open. Lineback reminds us that, for the most part, criminals like easy targets. A few tips from the Police Chiefs Association: Lock the car when you park at the mall, hide packages – preferrably in the trunk, keep the doors locked when away from the home and a couple of lights on, keep your purse tucked under your arm or your wallet well secured, shop in groups and avoid being alone in vulnerable places. Lineback says nothing is foolproof, but he says criminals generally hit accessible targets.
