Local police departments remind last minute shoppers to ‘Stop, Lock, then Shop’

Take the time to lock your car and check your surroundings as you make your lists and check them twice.

December 16, 2014; 9:22 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

With a little more than a week left until Christmas, last minute holiday shopping is kicking into high gear.

Rushing around town looking for all those last minute gifts could mean folks pay less attention to the little things, like remembering to lock up their cars. Police are reminding shoppers to lock their vehicles at all times, and to be aware of their surroundings in a holiday campaign known as “Stop, Lock, then Shop.”

“This season of celebrations is also a time when some people will take advantage of crowded shopping centers and attempt to commit crimes,” said Lieutenant Chris Eley with the Henrico Police Department. “Our holiday patrol, a special team of officers, will be in our retail areas and shopping malls, and our traffic and DUI enforcement teams will be working throughout the holiday season.”

Most larcenies from vehicles are from vehicles that are unlocked. It may seem obvious, but police warn not to leave items such as purses, wallets, and GPS devices in plain view.

Members of the community are reminded to call non-emergency communications numbers to report non life-threatening situations and, of course, to call 911 in an emergency.

In Henrico County, the non-emergency number is 804.501.5000; in the City of Richmond that number is 804.646.5100.

Below are more police tips to keep you safe as you make your lists and check them twice.