Police: Stay safe this holiday season

 As the year comes to a close, Buffalo Police are reminding West Side residents to be more aware of potential crimes over the holiday season.
 Increases in travel and the number of people shopping are two factors that make the holidays an enticing period for criminals, “D” District Police Officer Roscoe Henderson said.
 “There are two types of people: honest and dishonest,” Henderson said. “People who are not honest use the holidays as an excuse to commit crimes.”
 Henderson advises residents who are traveling to use automatic timers on lights to keep the appearance of activity in their home, making it a less likely target.
 He also said shoppers should travel in pairs and use credit cards to keep the amount of cash on hand to a minimum.
 “The more people together, the less likely you are to be confronted,” he said.
Henderson added that people should be extra cautious when carrying bags from their car to their house, which is when they are most vulnerable.
 “Try not to leave a lot of items visible in your vehicle,” he said. “When you get out of your car and get to your house, you should take a look around... Be conscious of your surroundings.
 “People are going to be breaking into cars and shoplifting,” he said about the holiday season. “If you see anything suspicious, you shouldn’t hesitate to call 9-1-1. It doesn’t have to be a crime, but if it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t." By Mike Meiler and Julia Merulla