JPD increases presence around shopping areas during holiday season

JACKSON, Tenn. — Jackson police are cracking down on holiday thieves.

“During the holiday season, there’s more opportunities for people to do something like that, and we want to make our presence larger and better known,” said Capt. Jeff Shepard of the Jackson Police Department.

Capt. Shepard said an increased presence in and around stores is vital.

“No. 1 priority is just watch the parking lots and the streets, and watch for anybody that might be about to commit a crime,” Shepard said.

Shepard also said holiday shoppers should be more aware of their surroundings in stores.

“The bad guys sometimes will take advantage of the holiday season because there’s more people shopping, therefore there’s less people watching the people,” Capt. Shepard said.

He encourages shoppers to call local authorities if they see someone stealing. Some shoppers are taking their own safety precautions during the holiday season.

“I normally carry a smaller purse, so that I am less suspicious and less looked at,” one holiday shopper said.

As for online shopping, police say to be wary of porch pirates.

“Make sure that I grab all my stuff right when it gets there, and make sure that I know when stuff’s coming,” a holiday shopper said.

The deadline to order those last-minute packages is Dec. 20 to get them in time for Christmas.