As the holiday season approaches, the Irving Police Department (IPD) is urging residents to stay vigilant and aware to ensure a safe and secure holiday experience. In a recent announcement, IPD offered a series of safety tips to help prevent theft and ensure peace of mind while shopping and handling deliveries.
For residents buying gifts from online marketplaces, IPD encourages the use of the Safe Exchange Zone at 305 N. O'Connor Road for a secure and monitored location to meet for package pickups.
To protect against package theft, IPD advises residents to install a smart security camera at their front door, schedule deliveries to require signatures, and track packages for estimated arrival times. If unable to receive a package, residents are encouraged to ask a neighbor for assistance or opt to pick up items at a local post office.
When shopping in person, drivers are reminded to be patient and plan ahead to allow ample travel time. IPD recommends always removing valuables from vehicles or locking them in the trunk, parking in well-lit areas, and keeping car keys ready for entry. To deter thieves, shoppers should change parking spots after dropping off items to avoid drawing attention.
Other Safety Tips:
- When possible, arrange to meet in a public and busy place. Consider meeting at a police station, government building or a busy fast food restaurant.
- Avoid going to someone’s home or having someone come to your own if at all possible.
- Beware of scams. If something seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam;
- For sellers: Be alert to someone using counterfeit money or stolen and forged checks. Inspect any cash you are given.
- For buyers: Be aware of someone trying to sell you stolen, broken or fake items. Thoroughly inspect items, make sure it works and watch out for dummy items.
- Save listings and contact information should you need to report a problem.
- Always report problems to Craigslist and social media sites, as well as any criminal activity to the police.
- Avoid carrying too much cash.
IPD urges residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. For emergencies, call 9-1-1, and for non-emergencies, call (972) 273-1010.
