Albany police chief to offer holiday safety tips
Town Hall meeting scheduled Saturday
By Cindi Cox
Albany — The Albany Police Department will provide holiday safety tips at a town hall meeting scheduled Saturday at the East Albany Community Center.
Albany Police Chief Michael Persley will be the primary speaker at the 10 a.m. meeting.
“This is an important time of year to be especially careful,” Ward I City Commissioner Jon Howard, who facilitates the meetings, said. “Crooks don’t take holidays.”
According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) the Top 10 holiday crimes in the U.S. are identity theft, shoplifting, robbery, drunk driving, vehicle theft, rape and sexual assault, home burglary, counterfeiting, scams and domestic violence.
“When we go out shopping we become complacent and relaxed, and that’s when we can be especially vulnerable,” Howard said.
Howard said shopping is not the only concern over the holiday season. He said homeowners should ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on their homes if they plan to travel. The Ward I commissioner said he personally checks on neighbors who are homebound and who travel and ask for his help when they are away.
“If you are concerned as I am about a safe and healthy community for the citizens of Albany, please invite senior citizens, friends, your neighbors and students to meet and get involved, be engaged and be educated on community issues,” Howard said.
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