LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – Lexington police are urging residents to look out for “Grinches” and the “Wet Bandits” this holiday season.
Holiday movie references aside, many thieves will be out lurking, looking for opportunities to steal items and presents that don’t belong to them.
Vehicle break-ins
- Take valuables out of vehicles
- Cash, checkbooks, credit cards
- Laptops and electronics
- Jewelry
- Guns
- Always lock your vehicle
Auto thefts
- Do not leave running vehicles unattended (this is also against City ordinance)
- Do not keep a spare key in your vehicle
Package thefts
- If possible, schedule deliveries when you will be home
- Request package tracking and notifications when your item is delivered
- Have packages delivered to a store for pickup, or to your office
Residents can further reduce crimes of opportunity by joining the 9 p.m. Routine, a crime prevention campaign that has spread across the country. The idea is simple: before settling in for the night, the 9 p.m. Routine reminds residents to:
- Turn on porch lights
- Take valuables out of vehicles
- Lock car doors
- Close garage doors
Lexington Police will post 9 p.m. Routine messages on its Facebook and Twitter accounts, with the goal of making the simple steps an everyday habit for residents. The safety campaign was started by the Pasco County, Florida Sheriff’s Office in 2016 and is used by law enforcement agencies nationwide.
