Porch pirates and shoplifters beware, the Seymour Police Department has increased patrols this holiday shopping season, and the efforts are paying off.
The added patrols have led to a significant decrease in reported thefts for this time of year, Capt. Troy Munson said.
"Theft cases are down 35% this year compared to the same time frame in 2019, and burglaries are down 65%," Munson said. "There have been no porch package thefts reported."
The targeted effort has added two extra officers each shift on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from the last weekend in November through the weekend before Christmas. Regular shifts consist of four officers and a supervising officer. During holiday patrols, there are a total of seven officers on duty.
The holiday patrols are volunteer, but the schedule fills up quickly, Munson said. The overtime comes from the police department’s budget.
Officers participating in the patrols are in uniform and marked patrol vehicles to provide a stronger presence in commercial areas and neighborhoods. No specific business or commercial sector has been singled out, though, Munson said.
"It helps deter criminal activities commonly associated with the holiday season, like shoplifting, vehicle thefts and break-ins, porch package thefts and burglaries," he said.
SPD has implemented holiday patrol details in the past, but not in recent years.
"We will evaluate the overall results of the detail after Christmas to determine if this will be something we do every holiday season or if our resources could benefit the community better in some other way," Munson said.
There are steps individuals can take to protect themselves from being a victim of theft.
Munson said people need to be aware of their surroundings and what is happening at all times instead of having their eyes and attention glued to their cellphones.
Shoppers should not leave their wallets, purses or merchandise unattended in their shopping carts or vehicles.
"Keep any merchandise you purchased out of sight by storing it in the trunk," Munson said. "Also be vigilant about locking up your vehicle as well as your residence when you aren’t there."
One way to avoid porch package theft is to customize your time and location for delivery of online purchases.
Munson recommends having packages delivered to your place of employment if allowed or have them held at the carrier’s location for pickup.
Business owners also can take measures to increase safety in their stores for their employees and customers.
"Again, they should be very aware of what is occurring throughout the store at any given time," Munson said. "If possible, they should employ additional staff to assist with increased customer volume and at closing time."
He advises businesses to ensure all security cameras are functioning and visible and to limit points of entry and exit.
Valuable items should be locked away or be kept behind the counter, and any suspicious activity should be reported to the police as soon as possible, he said.
The increased police patrols also seems to be having a positive effect on drivers as the number of traffic accidents is down, too, Munson said.
Increased traffic at stores during the holiday shopping season typically leads to more traffic accidents, but that hasn’t been the case this year.
"Traffic accidents are down slightly, which is definitely a positive when considering there is more traffic congestion this year compared to previous years as a result of the extensive construction present in the commercial areas of East Tipton Street," he said.
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Take steps to protect yourself from theft and other crimes during the holidays
Individuals
Be aware of your surroundings and what is occurring around you at all times.
Do not leave valuables (wallets, purses, merchandise) unattended in your shopping carts or your vehicles. If possible, keep any merchandise you purchased out of sight by storing it in the trunk if visiting multiple locations before returning home.
Be vigilant about locking up your vehicle as well as your residence when you are absent.
Customize package deliveries. Most shipping carriers allow individuals to customize times and locations for delivery of packaged merchandise that has been ordered online. If your employer permits it, have the package delivered to your place of employment if the scheduled delivery time is scheduled to occur while at work. Individuals also can choose to have packages held at the carrier’s location to be picked up at a time convenient to your schedule.
Business owners and employees
Be very aware of your surroundings and what is occurring throughout the store at any given time.
If possible, employ additional staff to assist with increased customer volume.
Ensure all security cameras are functioning and visible.
If possible, limit points of entry and exit from the business.
Keep valuable items locked away or behind the counter.
Report suspicious activity to the police as soon as possible.
Have multiple employees on hand during closing procedures.
Source: Seymour Police Department
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