Merced police warn residents to stay vigilant while holiday shopping
Merced police are reminding residents to take extra care to avoid break-ins during holiday shopping trips.
“Each year, we see an increase in vehicle break-ins and thefts as criminals target parked cars for valuables left in plain sight,” the Merced Police Department said in a Facebook post.
Here are some tips Merced police shared to safeguard belongings:
- Always lock your doors and close all windows when leaving your vehicle.
- Never leave purses, wallets, shopping bags, or electronics visible inside your car.
- Store valuables in the trunk before arriving at your destination, not after parking.
- Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas whenever possible.
- Stay alert and report suspicious behavior to the Merced Police Department immediately.
Watch out for holiday scams
The holidays are also a time when scammers are most active.
Because it’s a time when people are traveling, busy and feeling generous, scammers know it’s a time to take advantage.
According to a story from Stacker.com, the best way to avoid holiday scams is by asking yourself, “Does this sound too good to be true?”
Stay safe at home
In a recent story on mercedsunstar.com, reporter Andrew Kuhn wrote about how to keep your home safe.
Taking steps such as locking doors and windows as well as the use of lighting can help deter criminals, experts say.
Home security experts and law enforcement say some simple steps can make an impact when looking to deter would-be criminals.
This story was originally published November 17, 2025 at 1:53 PM.
