Officials Work to Prevent Holiday Crime

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Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — It’s easy to be forgetful amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,but officials want residents to remember safety during the festivities. “People think everyone is trustworthy during the holiday and that’s what the criminals bank on,” says Lt. Ron Felder. Along with a boost in good cheer, authorities say the holidays bring a nationwide spike in crime. The Columbia Police Department is hitting the streets with safety tips to deter crime and promote safety. “They want everyone to see their big pretty Christmas tree so they open up their blinds or curtains of their house and a would be robber walks by and see all these boxes and think it’s christmas for them also,” says Lt. Felder. Police suggest automatic timers for lights and leaving a radio or TV on when heading out. When shopping officials say parking in well-lit areas and staying alert is essential. Lt. Felder explains, “Unfortunately their are a lot of criminal elements out there watching for those people walking around not knowing who’s around them and not paying attention.” The Columbia Police Department says locking your car isn’t the only way to protect your personal items when you’re shopping. “Auto breakers are opportunists they want to see something in that car things that should not be in plain view such as satellite radios or cell phones or laptops.” These high tech gadgets are also an easy way for hackers to access personal information during holiday travel. Juliana Harris with the Department of Consumer Affairs says, “Make sure you have passwords on phones so that if someone does get ahold of it they wouldn’t be able to access the phone.” Proper precautions and smart suggestions for staying safe this season.