Public safety officials offer holiday tips
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Sandor Kovacs of Washington enters the post office on Jefferson Avenue to mail a package Wednesday.
A Washington Crown Center security vehicle patrols the perimeter of the mall in North Franklin Township Monday.
With Christmas only a few days away, public safety officials across the county are preparing for increased holiday-related crimes and offering tips on how residents can stay safe.
South Strabane Township police Chief Donald Zofchak said his department typically sees retail thefts increasing around the holidays.
“Holidays bring out the best in people, but it can also bring out the worst in people,” Zofchak said.
He said many residents will have packages shipped to their offices instead of their homes to avoid potential theft from their porches.
“These criminals pick up on who’s not there during the day,” he said. “When you mail a Christmas card, you really don’t want to put cash in it.”
Zofchak said as miserable as those types of thefts can be around the holidays, domestic disputes are much more dangerous and prevalent during this season.
“A big concern with my department, the ones that worry me, are the domestics,” he said. “They do seem to escalate throughout the holidays, and alcohol is involved then. We’re around each other, so tempers flare. The minor thefts you don’t want to see, but someone getting hurt is more ugly, especially if kids are around.”
Washington police Chief Robert Wilson agreed domestic violence is an issue during the holiday season, due to people putting “a lot of pressure on themselves,” especially when it comes to family or financial issues.
“Families getting together often leads to domestics if they don’t get along,” he said. “And if you put a little alcohol with that, it goes from flame to fire.”
Wilson also said the city typically sees more thefts over the holidays.
“People are in a hurry and sometimes they forget to lock their (car) doors,” he said. “If you’re out and about shopping, make sure your doors are locked and don’t leave your purses in the car.”
Bethel Park police Chief Timothy O’Connor also reminded shoppers at South Hills Village mall to put merchandise in the trunk and lock their cars. The mall is split between his township and neighboring Upper St. Clair.
“Even though we haven’t had problems, don’t leave yourself open to being a victim in the lots,” he said. “If you’re going to go shopping, try to keep your presents out of sight and make sure your car is secure.”
During the holiday season, O’Connor said police are seeing an uptick in shoplifting, both at the mall and at other retail outlets in the township. He said they had several incidents in recent weeks and made a few arrests.
The Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania also warned of holiday scams, especially by people claiming to be with a specific utility company.
“They’ll call and tell you that they’re shutting off the utility unless you give them a payment,” said Caitlin Driscoll, public relations director of the bureau.
Along with all of the crime safety tips, Washington fire Chief Linn Brookman warned of the increase in house fires at Christmastime, due to light displays, electrical malfunctions and furnace or heating malfunctions.
“People have all these decorations up on their house, and that’s all running on extension cords,” Brookman said.
He encouraged people to check those cords before using them to make sure they are not damaged or frayed. He also said space heaters can be a problem if placed near clothing or other flammable materials.
“People are more susceptible to being careless at this time of year,” Brookman said. “There are other things on their minds, and they’re in a hurry.”