Our community has always been a great place for the Holidays – beautiful lights, festive shopping, family visits, and (hopefully) a white Christmas!! Unfortunately, there is also the annual specter of those who would Grinch our Holiday plans. In the past week or so we have noted a dramatic increase in shoplifting in our businesses. Thanks to excellent employee awareness several of these thefts have resulted in either arrests or at least no property loss. The businesses have been among our largest and our smallest, with the items targeted by the thieves ranging across the spectrum from expensive electronics to pens and tee shirts. We urge our businesses and their employees to be alert and watchful.
This week also saw our first reported theft of Christmas presents from a residence, as a box that was delivered to a home was lifted from the front porch by two thieves who saw an opportunity. A good neighbor luckily saw what was happening when the thieves went to divide their stolen items, made a call to the Police Department, and continued watching the suspicious men. Two arrests were made, multiple packages and presents were returned to their owner, and evidence of earlier yet-undetected thefts was discovered leading to an ongoing case stemming from stolen mail from a mailbox.
It is not the most festive message to deliver, but please be aware that there are those around who would take advantage of the season by stealing from businesses, doorsteps, mailboxes, and cars. Never leave visible packages in your car unattended – take the time to run the first load home before returning to shop more. Have a blanket to cover items you have purchased to at least reduce the chance of a willing thief seeing a target. Be aware of deliveries that may come to your door and if possible have a neighbor watching as well to get the delivery inside as quickly as possible. Keep your purse and wallet with you, not left in a shopping cart when you park it to go to the next aisle. Always lock your home and vehicle!!
Mostly, like our caller yesterday, be aware and call if you see anyone or anything that looks suspicious and out of place. That initiative helped stop multiple thefts and made Christmas a little better for one of our neighbors!!
Glenwood Springs Police Department
384-6500