Police urge caution against holiday crime

SWAMPSCOTT-Area police say purse snatchings, car breaks and scams are as abundant as glad tidings during the holiday season.Black Friday is typically the biggest shopping day of the year and public safety officials are urging area residents to make safety a priority as they do their holiday shopping.Swampscott Detective Sgt. Tim Cassidy said when people are hurrying and pressed for time they tend to let down their guard, which leaves them vulnerable.?Purse snatchings, stealing items out of cars and other crimes of opportunity are always an issue at this time of year,” he said. “It’s even more of a problem in years like this when the economy is bad.”Cassidy said one of the most important safety tips is to remain vigilant and always be aware of your surroundings.He said women who carry a purse should keep it close to their body and anyone who carries a wallet should keep it in an inside coat pocket or in the front pocket of their pants, not in the back pocket.?This is the biggest time of year from scams, thefts and crimes of opportunity,” Cassidy said. “Women should not leave their purse in a shopping cart, not even for a second. There are people out there who make their living snatching purses out of shopping carts,”Cassidy said carrying and flashing large amounts of cash is just asking for trouble. He said holiday shoppers should pay with a check or credit card. He also urged shoppers to exercise caution when using a credit card or an ATM.The last couple of years, vehicle break-ins and housebreaks have spiked in Swampscott during the holiday season, according to Cassidy.?I know we had a couple of situations in previous years here in town where Christmas gifts were stolen out of cars,” he said. “If you see anything suspicious call the police.”So don’t assume that once you get your gifts home they are safe.Cassidy recommends you don’t store packages and gifts in front of a window where they are readily visible. He also suggested leaving a light or radio on so the house doesn’t appear to be empty.If you are going on vacation the Swampscott Police Dept. recommends asking a neighbor to shovel your walks, collect your mail and pick up your newspapers.This time of year the Salvation Army and other legitimate organizations are collecting money on street corners but area police officials said there are plenty of scam artists out there trying to cash in on the holiday spirit as well.If a resident is unsure whether an organization is legitimate Cassidy encourages them to contact their local police department.