HUNTER DWORACZYK [email protected]
As the holiday season continues, the Taylor Police Department is reminding residents about effective practices to protect themselves from crime.
This year, the police department is reiterating its “Hide, Lock and Take” initiative.
The full message from law enforcement is to “hide your things, lock your car and take your keys.”
“The Hide, Lock and Take initiative is just a reminder,” Commander Joseph Branson said. “It’s pertinent all year. It’s good practice all year, but a good time to remind everybody is during the holiday season, when a lot of packages are being delivered.”
In addition to the initiative, the police department wants to remind residents to also secure their homes. This includes locking all windows and doors, using lights when they are away at night, and keeping valuable items away from open windows.
Police also urge residents to be alert for suspicious people, vehicles and activities in their neighborhoods and to immediately call 9-1-1 when suspicious activity is observed.
Branson said criminals often look for “crimes of opportunity,” where stealing something is the easiest.
“The idea of Hide, Lock and Take is to make it more difficult for crimes of opportunity,” he said.
One potential crime of opportunity apparent during the holiday season is porch pirating. Porch pirates involve someone stealing packages or deliveries that do not belong to them.
While Branson said the police department is maintaining their normal routine patrol during the next few weeks, officers will be monitoring for the same suspicious behaviors they are asking residents to look for.
“Any theft is a problem,” Branson said. “(Porch pirating) is one we take seriously. We don’t want anyone’s Christmas ruined because the presents intended for them got taken.”
Porch pirates caught stealing items off people’s residence would be treated like any other theft, Branson said. He said the penalty would depend on the value of the item stolen.
“Don’t let the Grinch ruin Christmas,” Branson said. “Take care of your packages on your porch.”
