The holiday season is upon us, which means law enforcement will be stepping up patrols and seeking out criminals who are looking for easy targets. The Bonney Lake Police Department needs your help with this project.

Most criminals we see in our city choose to perform their illegal acts simply out of the opportunities they are given. Some of these opportunities are extremely simple as a car door being unlocked and a purse or wallet sitting in plain view on a front seat. But during the holidays, thieves are given another avenue to attack their victims.

Christmas packages, shopping bags, and unlocked mail boxes are a criminal’s best friend during the holidays. That being said, here are a few tips on keeping yourself safe from thieves who wish to take advantage of you this Holiday season.

• Remove mail from mailboxes as soon as it is delivered. Christmas cards and letters are often filled with money or gift cards this time of year, (criminals know this). Offer to help friends and neighbors you trust with gathering their mail as well.
• Consider installing a locked community mailbox.
• Remove all packages from your front porch immediately. If you are expecting a package, remember to track it on-line and have a plan to retrieve it as soon as possible.
• When shopping, always lock your vehicle and NEVER leave valuables such as purses, laptops, cell phones, and other electronic devices in plain view for others to see.
• Never leave shopping bags in your vehicle where they can be seen. It takes only seconds for a criminal to break your car window and remove your belongings.
• Report any unusual or suspicious behavior to the police immediately. This could be an unknown vehicle parked in your neighborhood, an individual looking in mailboxes or vehicles, or a subject inquiring about personal matters that really do not apply to them. All of these situations could be signs of someone doing surveillance and looking for easy targets.

If you see anyone acting unusual or taking part in illegal activity, be a good witness and report the situation to police. If you can safely do so, gather suspect info, clothing info, any associated vehicles (including a license plate number), and turn that info over to police.

Please do not attempt to apprehend or contact anyone seen doing illegal activity. Be a good witness and contact the police immediately.

Again … please take ALL necessary precautions and prevent yourself from being a victim!

All of us at the Bonney Lake Police Department wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday Season.