❒ Spokesman: ‘Goal is to be visible, deter crime from happening’

Benicia Police Department is increasing patrols during the holiday shopping season, Lt. Mike Greene said.

During the month, additional uniformed officers will patrol Benicia’s busiest areas, including the downtown commercial district and area shopping centers, Greene said.

“We’ll be dedicating officers to both foot and vehicle patrols in and around our shopping areas,” he said. “The goal is to be visible, deter crime from happening and work cooperatively with our merchants and citizens to provide a safer holiday season.”

Greene said the city has been recognized for public safety, and the department isn’t taking those honors for granted.

“We are proud Benicia was named one of the ‘50 Safest Cities in California’ by SafeWise, and although our crime rate is at its lowest level in 27 years, we want to ensure visitors and shoppers are safe from crimes of opportunity when they visit the many unique shops, boutiques and restaurants that make for a great experience in Benicia,” he said.

Greene offered some personal crime prevention tips that “may help someone from becoming a victim.”

At home, he said, those expecting deliveries from such shippers as United Parcel Service or Federal Express shouldn’t leave those parcels on a porch all day.

“Criminals are specifically driving around following delivery trucks, watching for an opportunity to steal items,” he said. “Have items delivered to your place of business or make sure someone is home.”

He said homes should be secured at all times. “Lock doors and windows,” he said. “Keep your garage doors closed and locked. Install commercially available locks for your doors and windows, especially your sliding glass doors.”

Benicia residents shouldn’t hide keys around the outside of their homes, he said. Instead, give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.

“Install and replace outside lights and keep them on at night,” he said. Motion lights are a good deterrent, too, he said.

Residents also should keep their yards clean: “Prune back shrubbery so they don’t hide your windows or doors,” he said.

He recommended that all outside doors be made of metal or solid wood and have deadbolt locks.

Those who travel and don’t have a neighbor or family member checking on their homes can enroll in the Benicia Police Department Vacation Check Program, he said.

When residents are away from home, they should put interior lights on timers to make it appear someone is home at various times of the day, Greene said.

“If you do not have a locking mailbox, retrieve your mail as quickly as possible,” he said, and avoid putting outgoing mail in those boxes. And while on vacation, residents should put their mail and newspaper subscription deliveries on hold, or ask a neighbor to retrieve them.

Benicians should make a list of valuable items, including electronic equipment, computers and jewelry, Greene said. “Take photos of the items, and keep a list of serial numbers and descriptions,” he said.

Another recommendation is to install — and use — a home alarm system, he said.

Greene also offered personal safety tips, too.

“Don’t leave your shopping bags visible in your car,” he said. “Put them in the trunk out of sight.”

That won’t mean potential thieves aren’t watching what shoppers do, he said. “Remember, criminals can be watching you place items in trunk and burglarize your vehicle after you walk away,” he warned.

Those carrying purses should use a cross-body style, or conceal a wallet inside a front pocket close to the body.

It may be a challenge during holiday shopping, but Greene said people shouldn’t get distracted by people at stores. Those people may be trying to pick their pockets.

“Always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you, especially if you are alone or it is dark,” he said.

He recommended parking in busy, well-lit parking lots, away from shrubs, and he also suggested avoiding isolated areas. “When possible, shop and travel with a friend,” he said.

He said motorists should have their vehicle keys in hand and lock the vehicle once they get inside.

And once everyone is in, he said, start the vehicle and go. “Don’t sit in your car for a prolonged time in a parking lot.”