Theft, vehicle break-ins, and fraud top police reports during holidays

Barrie police badge and cruiser. (CTV News/Steve Mansbridge)

Police in Barrie are urging residents to be vigilant this holiday season, as theft, vehicle break-ins, and fraud consistently rank as the most reported crimes during this time of year.

Theft

Retail theft and stolen packages from porches see a sharp rise during the holidays.

Police encourage “lock-it or lose-it” to avoid becoming a victim of theft. Unlocked vehicles with valuables in clear sight are frequent targets for thieves.

Motorists should lock vehicles and remove all visible items, even for short periods.

To keep porch pirates at bay, police recommend being home to receive packages when possible, having the delivery person hide packages or give them to a trusted neighbour, and looking out for one another to prevent any would-be Grinches.

Fraud

Holiday fraud schemes, including online scams, fake charities, and phishing emails, are becoming more common as more people spend money online.

Police warn residents to avoid clicking unknown links sent via email or text, never give out personal information, and do their research before making any payments.

A list of common scams can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities in their neighborhoods.

Barrie Police Service offers an online portal to report incidents. “Help us tackle these issues by reporting non-emergency issues online,” the service stated.