Tough economy, crime spike expected this holiday season

Tough economy, holiday could bring crime spike, reads the headline. "SALISBURY -- Tough economic times and the holiday season closing in has some law enforcement officials cautioning residents about a possible crime spike and urging them to be more alert. "We're in a very tough economic environment where there are a number of people out of work," said Davis Ruark, Wicomico County state's attorney. "Those factors, coupled with the fact that around the holidays we tend to see an increase in robberies and thefts, I anticipate this will be a difficult year."
Salisbury Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman's Crime Task Force has taken measures to prepare for a possible increase in crime. A subcommittee headed by City Councilwoman Debbie Campbell requested a plan of action from the Salisbury Police Department that outlines how it plans to reduce crime activity Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 -- what the subcommittee referred to as "active armed robbery season." "People on the committee related to the issue that we have a spike in crime this time of year and thought this was a really important action step," Campbell said. "People are tired of being victims of crime. I am hopeful that the task force is going to be action-oriented." Economic conditions have caused a shift in crime where some law enforcement agencies are seeing an increase in metal thefts, said Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis.
"We're in for some serious economic hardships," Lewis said. "As a result of that, people will resort to anything to feed themselves and feed their families."

http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081012/NEWS01/810120301

Crime Control Recommendation #004

Increase funding for public education on how to become less of a target or victim for crime. Here is a good start to a short-list of things to educate from the article above:

"Tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime:

• Don't leave packages in visible places in your car.
• Be aware of your surroundings; know where you are; remember where you parked.
• Park in a well-lit area.
• Shop in groups
• Be aware of strange people and cars on your street and in your neighborhood.
• Report any suspicious vehicles and people to your local law enforcement agency."

SOURCE: Area law enforcement agencies and the State's Attorney's Office