Area law enforcement officials warn residents to be vigilant and observant during the Christmas holidays for possible criminal activities and to avoid becoming a victim.

“It’s that time of year where it (thefts) always increases over here, everywhere really,” said Lt. Fremon Edwards with the Sylacauga Police Department.

Authorities say the easiest way to become a victim during the Christmas holiday period is by leaving valuables in plain view inside your vehicle.

“It only takes about three seconds to break a (car) window,” said Pell City Police Chief Greg Turley, adding that people need to park in well-lit areas and shop with friends whenever possible.

He said Pell City has seen an increase in car break-ins in recent weeks, and cars are being broken into at all hours of the day and night.

“We’re looking at tough economic times right now, and people are willing to take chances,” Turley said.

Edwards said the main thing is for shoppers not to put any presents inside their vehicles in plain view.

“Don’t put anything in the car and for sure lock your car up,” Edwards said. “If you have to put presents inside your vehicle, put them inside your trunk.”

Shoppers are also warned to be extra observant in parking lots and at malls.

“We recommend, particularly at night, that women go in pairs,” said Talladega City Police Chief Alan Watson. “It’s always safer in larger numbers.”

He said when searching for a parking space, pay particular attention to anyone out of place or suspicious.

“I tell people before you get out of your car look around,” Edwards said.

He said if you see someone out of place or suspicious or just standing around doing nothing, call your local police department.

“We don’t mind,” Edwards said. “That’s what we’re here for.”

Watson said, like Sylacauga and Pell City, police increase their patrols in the shopping district.

“We do put extra patrols in all of our shopping areas throughout the city,” Watson said. “But, it generally doesn’t stop it (car break-ins and thefts).”

Watson said purse snatching also increases during the holiday period.

He said women should avoid putting their purses in shopping buggies.

Watson said thieves will shadow someone in the store, waiting for the opportune time to snatch someone’s purse when the victim’s attention is drawn elsewhere.

“If possible, don’t carry a purse at all,” Edwards said.

He suggests shoppers carry a waist pouch or something that they can carry closer to their bodies, other than a purse.

“Never carry large amounts of cash,” Edwards added. “With debit and credit cards, you can call and have them cancelled.”

Turley also warns residents to be extra careful with their debt and credit cards, saying thieves can “shoulder-surf,” looking over someone’s shoulder, in an effort to get a credit card or PIN number from a potential victim.

“If you shop online, only use reputable vendors with secure transactions,” Turley added.

Turley said it’s also a good idea to check your credit card statements several times and look for anything out of the ordinary.

All three police departments offer extra holiday patrols for residents who are on the road during the Christmas holidays.

“We do a vacation watch,” Watson said, adding that all a resident must do is come down to the police department and fill out a form.

The information on the form provides authorities a contact number in case of an emergency.

“We will go by and check their resident on each shift,” Watson said. “It gets check pretty regularly.”

Authorities say it is best to try and make your residence look like someone is actually home.

They suggest having someone move the positions of your vehicle(s), turning on lights inside and outside the home, and having someone pick up your newspaper and mail.

“We have people call us all the time for extra patrols,” Edwards said.

Turley said neighbors need to be more observant during the Christmas holidays for possible burglars or thieves combing their community neighborhoods.

“Some thieves will scout neighborhoods and look for packages near doors and garages,” Turley said. “If you can’t be home for the delivery, have a trusted neighbor or relative secure the package for you.”

He said residents should report anything out of the ordinary to police.

“By remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious vehicles or persons to your local police, you not only can protect your community, but you may help solve numerous cases throughout the county.”