Christmas message from the Brewton Police Department

Brewton, Al.

The holiday season can be one of the greatest times of the year! Homes filled with gifts, department stores, shops, malls, and downtown streets all filled with hopeful shoppers. Yet, with all of the hustle and bustle going on, people tend to forget that there are still crooks out there, just waiting to take advantage of all of the holiday season’s stresses and distractions. Shoppers, in particular, can become too focused on finding that one gift and in turn become careless and personally vulnerable to theft and other types of serious crime. It’s sad to say… but while some people are getting ready to travel or go shopping, some people are getting ready to go out and find that opportunity to take your property or rob you. Please read the following information provided in the section below, and learn how to celebrate this holiday season safely while making it a crime free one as well.

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you shop at night, ask a
friend to accompany you.
• Do not wear expensive jewelry.
• Keep your purse closed and do not leave your wallet or checkbook visible.
• If you carry a purse, wear the strap so that it crosses in front of your body.
Or hold it in front of you, keeping the flap against your body. Secure your
purse between your body and your arm.
• Carry your wallet in an inside front pocket.
• Carry your keys in your pocket – you’ll be able to drive home if your purse
is lost or stolen.
• Avoid carrying a lot of cash; take only the credit cards you plan to use.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages.
• Do not leave your belongings and purchases unattended.
• Don’t advertise your purchases! Place all valuables/purchases in the trunk
of your car.
• Keep a list of credit card agencies with their phone numbers in case you
have to report a stolen or lost card.
• If you have to use an ATM, protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad
from those standing around or behind you.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if
you get separated.

Have a safe and happy holiday!
Merry Christmas!
Brewton Police Department