Yesterday was Thanksgiving and today is Black Friday, the unofficial beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Most people think of the season as a happy time, albeit sometimes exhausting, while going from store to store searching for perfect gifts for families and friends. The Yuma Police Department warns that the season can change to heartbreak if you, or a family member, become the victim of a holiday season crime.
YPD spokesperson Sergeant Lori Franklin says during this time of year it's easy to lose focus on personal safety in a crowded store. And it's likely to be the same time that you have a purse or billfold full of cash and credit cards.....................................
And Sgt. Franklin says concerns about Christmas Season crime do not end outside the store or even when you have left the parking lot. She says it extends to your home. Franklin says if your family likes to have gifts piled high under and around the Christmas tree in the living room picture window...............................
A few other crime preventing actions you can take this holiday season include parking in a well lit area as close to the store as possible. Do not to shop alone. Ask a store person to accompany you to you car with your purchases and keep all valuables and purchases out of sight in the trunk. But most importantly lock your car and take the keys with you while you shop.