Porch Pirates Also Out And About. Remember: No Gift Is Worth Being Shot Over.
BY: 24/7 CRIME DESK | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — ‘Tis the season for criminals to prey on shoppers at area malls and shopping centers across Palm Beach County. As Black Friday marks the unofficial start to the shopping season, local law enforcement experts are reminding everyone to be smart when out and about. That simple act of looking at your phone while walking to the car can be all that’s needed for a thug to snatch your purse or your bag of purchases.
IT’S NOT PHONE TIME.
We know that message on your phone or the Instagram post has to be handled right now — this very second. But looking at your phone while walking to your car has proven time and time again to be all the opportunity that a criminal needs to snatch a purse. We’ve seen it at Boca Raton Town Center Mall and other locations across the region. Please put the phone down and pay attention to what’s happening as you walk in a parking lot.
PARK UNDER LIGHT.
If you’re shopping in the evening, find the space with the light — even if it’s a few extra feet away. Criminals don’t like light. It means they can be seen on surveillance cameras and by others. And if it’s too dark wherever you do find a space, consider coming back another day. Your family would rather have you alive than a gift.
SCREAM.
Time to breathe deep and give it all you’ve got. If you think you’re in a bad situation — or situation that’s about to become bad — scream. Scream as loud as you can. Even in our high-tech age, nothing draws more attention than someone screaming for help. Don’t think twice. Just do it.
KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
If something doesn’t look right to you, it probably isn’t. If you are not comfortable where you are parking, walking, planning to do whatever it is that you’re planning to do, quite simply don’t do it. Come back another time or do it somewhere else. There’s very little that can’t be ordered online and delivered directly to your home — or the home of the person you’re buying a gift for. Criminals prey on people who look out of place.
PORCH PIRATES.
Yes, even having something delivered to your home isn’t 100-percent guaranteed. There are criminals who follow Amazon and other delivery trucks, then take the package they just delivered. Nothing is worth getting shot over, so if you see someone do it, just let them do it. Get a description and call the police. In most circumstances, if you paid with a credit card, you have not become the victim of theft — your credit card company has. After you call the police, call your credit card company and let them know your merchandise was stolen. Odds are good that your purchase price will be refunded.
CALL FOR HELP.
Whether you’re at the mall or at home, help is never more than a call away. At area malls, call the security department — most will escort you to your car if you’re concerned about being victimized while you’re walking. Police and community service aides are also just a call away to provide a uniformed presence if you feel unsafe or unsure.
