Holiday shopping safety tips from the Police Department

Published on November 17, 2025

Up angle view of a street of houses with packages near porch

The holiday season is a busy time for shoppers and for thieves looking to take advantage of distracted or hurried customers. A few simple precautions can help keep you, your purchases and your personal information safe.

While shopping in store

  • Keep purses, wallets and phones on you at all times — never left in carts, on counters or on top of a vehicle.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with cards when possible.
  • Stay alert when walking to and from your car. Keep your head up, keys ready and avoid distractions.
  • Place purchases in the trunk or rear cargo area, out of sight from windows.

When shopping online

  • Shop only on secure, reputable websites — look for “https” in the web address.
  • Be cautious of phishing emails or texts claiming to be from delivery services.
  • Use strong passwords and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

Protecting your finances

  • Regularly check your bank and credit card accounts for unauthorized charges.
  • Be cautious of holiday scams and never share personal information with unsolicited callers, texts or emails.

General safety

  • Report suspicious activity, whether it’s people lingering around parked cars or vehicles cruising slowly through neighborhoods.
  • For online sales transactions (like Facebook Marketplace), meet in a well-lit public location such as a police station parking lot. If a buyer or seller refuses, consider it a red flag.

By staying aware and taking a few extra steps, you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

Vacation House Watch program

With the holidays quickly approaching, learn more about our Vacation House Watch program if you plan to be out of town. While you’re away, Police Department personnel will periodically check around the outside of your home for any signs of suspicious activity. If we find anything amiss, we’ll take appropriate action and notify you. Simply fill out the Vacation House Watch form on our website a few days before you plan to leave town. 

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