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Shoppers Beware
In recent weeks, there has been an outbreak of people having their purses and wallets stolen right behind their backs while they shop in local department/grocery stores. Unsuspecting shoppers are leaving their purses unattended in their shopping carts while they shop, and while their back is turned, they are being stolen. In some cases the purse is being swapped out for a decoy, empty purse, to delay the unsuspecting victims from realizing what has happened.
This type of crime is easily avoided when taking some simple precautions. The most obvious, never leave any valuables in a shopping cart, for any amount of time. When shopping, carry your wallet and purse with you at all times.
This is one of those "it can't happen to me" crimes. Many shoppers feel that their shopping cart is a safe haven and that they can leave it unattended, or may even think that they don't leave it at all. However, shoppers must realize that this crime takes literally seconds to pull off, and many victims have reported that they didn't leave their carriage for more than a few seconds, yet they became victims never the less.
The Walpole Police Detective Division is in the process of investigating these cases. However, regardless of the outcome of the investigations, we urge all citizens to practice safe shopping and keep your purse with you (not your carriage) at all times.
Vehicle Security
Lately, more people have been reporting that someone has entered their vehicle during the night and stolen some of their property. In almost all of these cases, the vehicle was left unlocked during the night, making for an easy target. It would only take someone a few seconds to open your vehicle and steal your CD's or your sunglasses.
This crime may considered minor, but not to the victim, however, it is easily prevented. By simply locking your car doors, you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim. This sort of criminal activity is what's known as a "crime of opportunity", someone passing by seeing an easy target.
By locking your doors whenever you leave your car, the opportunist is likely to move on to an easier target, and preventing you from becoming a victim.
80% of vehicles stolen are unlocked.
40% of vehicles stolen have the keys in them.
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