Home Tips to help deter criminal activity over the holiday season
News

Tips to help deter criminal activity over the holiday season

AFP

albemarle countyAs the holiday season approaches, the Albemarle County Police Department wants to share some tips to stay safe and secure. ACPD officers are conducting extra patrols to try to deter criminal activity, but they need your help.

So far this year, Albemarle County has experienced 269 cases of larceny from a motor vehicle. Most of the cases have happened in the late evening or early morning hours. To avoid a break-in:

  • Always lock your doors
  • Close windows
  • Remove all valuables, especially holiday gifts, from your vehicle
  • Park in well-lit areas
  • Invest in an anti-theft system
  • Call 911 if you notice your car has been disturbed or if you see something suspicious

Follow @ACPD_VA on Twitter for nightly reminders and tips to secure your personal belongings to deter criminals, with the #9PMRoutine.

Phone scams and fraud are prevalent during the holiday season. Scammers try to trick people into giving personal information and money under the guise of banking, taxes, charity, and health. If you receive an unsolicited call seeking personal information:

  • Do not give any personal information over the phone to a caller, including account numbers, social security numbers, and/or pin numbers.
  • Hang up if the call is pre-recorded

If you suspect you have been scammed, file a report with the ACPD (434-296-5807 for non-emergencies). To reduce unsolicited calls, consider joining the National Do Not Call Registry (https://www.donotcall.gov).

The ACPD has a department dedicated to educating citizens about crime prevention. To connect with an officer to set up a neighborhood or community meeting, please contact the ACPD at 434-296-5807, Option “0” and ask for Officers Steve McCall or Joe George.

Additional links and information…

See something, say something:

Reporting Scams and Frauds:

National Do Not Call Registry:

Multimedia

 




AFP

AFP

Have a guest column, letter to the editor, story idea or a news tip? Email editor Chris Graham at [email protected]. Subscribe to AFP podcasts on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPandora and YouTube.

Latest News

route 250 interstate 81 staunton fishersville sign
Local

Overnight closure on Interstate 81 in Staunton area tonight, into wee hours Sunday

kiya thomas uva soccer
Go 'Hoos, Sports

UVA Soccer: 6-year-old Kiya Thomas signs on as newest member of ‘Hoos program

It’s rare to see a mid-season roster addition at the college level, but Kiya Thomas, the newest signee with the UVA women’s soccer team, is sure to be a key member of the program this season, and going forward.

uva volleyball
Go 'Hoos, Sports

Volleyball: Virginia rallies from two down, drops five-set thriller to Ohio State

Virginia dropped the first two sets to Ohio State on Friday night, but rallied to force a deciding fifth set, which the Buckeyes took to record the win in the non-conference matchup at the Aquatic & Fitness Center.

uva field hockey
Go 'Hoos, Sports

Field Hockey: #9 Virginia opens ACC schedule with narrow 1-0 loss at Duke

uva pep band
Football, Go 'Hoos

UVA Football: It’s been a while since we played WVU. Wonder why?

acc football
Football

ACC Football: Details on the 10-game Saturday schedule in Week 3

Kejuan Augustus Anthony
Region/State

Charlottesville Police announce arrest in Sept. 12 shooting on Downtown Mall