Merced law enforcement urges caution during Christmas

Law enforcement authorities warned last-minute Christmas shoppers in Merced County to take basic safety precautions and all residents to be mindful of scammers looking to take advantage of the generous holiday spirit.

“Most legitimate organizations have a well-known reputation and can be found through legitimate media advertisements,” said Merced County sheriff’s Sgt. Delray Shelton. “Things like food banks and Kops for Kids programs are well known and can be easily verified. If it feels suspicious, trust your instincts.”

Shelton said a new round of telephone scams has targeted Merced County residents. The latest scammers claim to work for the Internal Revenue Service.

“That’s something you should also be mindful of,” Shelton said. “If you get a call like that, hang up and contact the organization yourself. Their phone numbers are listed and can be found (online) easily.”

Merced police Capt. Bimley West said last-minute Christmas shoppers are frequently the target of opportunistic thieves.

“We’ve had people, criminals, in the past, follow shoppers from one store to the next and break into their vehicle when they go into the next store,” West said. “That’s why it’s always best to shop with a family member, a buddy, someone who can help you be aware of your surroundings.”

West said it can be a good idea to leave a responsible adult to watch the vehicle while you continue shopping.

Most vehicle break-ins are committed, West said, because unoccupied vehicles are easy targets for thieves. Anything a person does to make it more inconvenient for would-be burglars increases safety of property.

“Most importantly, just be conscious, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night,” West said.

“Driving while shopping can also be a time when we see more accidents on the roads because people are more focused on getting to the next store and less focused on the road,” West warned.

Area law enforcement officials said residents should always report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.

This story was originally published December 21, 2014 at 4:33 PM with the headline "Merced law enforcement urges caution during Christmas."