Don't Let Grinch Steal Your Holiday Spirit

Last week, a Middleburg Heights woman reported someone stole toys from her car while she was at a Strongsville restaurant.

The toys were supposed to be Christmas gifts for her children.

Crimes like that are especially heart-wrenching this time of year. But the bustle of the holiday season -- and all the brand new valuable items in people's homes and cars -- makes this a prime time for criminal activity. 

Strongsville police urge residents to take steps to protect themselves from crime. 

Here are some crime prevention suggestions we've put together, based on police reports and input from officers.

Shopping

• Watch your wallet. Pickpockets have been known to slip items out of purses and pockets at and other local stores.

• Never put your purse in your cart. Even if you don't walk away and leave it unattended, there have been plenty of reported thefts when shoppers turn their heads for a minute or reach for something on a shelf.

• Stow your purchases in the trunk. Bags that can be seen through the car windows are too tempting. It only takes a minute to break a window and grab your gifts.

At Home

• Turn on your outdoor lights or install motion-sensitive lighting. It gets dark early this time of year, and burglars often strike in those evening hours before people are home from work.

Police Chief Charles Goss said a rash of burglaries that hit Strongsville in late 2010 followed that pattern.

"It looks like they wait till dusk and pick houses where the lights don't come on," Goss said at the time.

• Lock your car doors. Your car is more vulnerable in your driveway than it is at the mall. 

• Never leave valuables in your car overnight, especially in plain view.

On the Phone

• Con artists prey on people's Christmas spirit by posing as charities. Make sure you know who you're giving your money to if you're solicited.

Officers urge residents to report any suspicious people or vehicles to Strongsville Police at 440-238-7373 or, if it's an emergency, 911.

"Being aware -- that's how we're going to catch these people," Lt. John Janowski said.