With the holiday shopping season underway, the Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding residents to stay alert and protect themselves from theft and fraud — both in stores and online.
Police say that the combination of crowded parking lots, busy stores, and increased online activity makes November and December a prime time for opportunistic criminals.
Members of the Haldimand OPP Auxiliary Unit have been conducting “Lock It or Lose It” awareness campaigns throughout the community and will continue promoting the program leading up to Christmas.
The campaign encourages residents to secure vehicles, keep valuables out of sight, and report any suspicious behavior.
The OPP has released several safety tips for both in-person and online shoppers.
They include staying aware of surroundings, parking in well-lit areas, and never leaving purchases or personal belongings unattended.
Online shoppers are urged to use secure websites, avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, and track deliveries closely to prevent package theft.
Residents are also reminded to watch for scams, verify the legitimacy of donation requests, and contact police if they notice anything suspicious.
Anyone with information about criminal activity can reach the Haldimand OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).