Holiday shoppers beware of grinches

BY VICTOR INGE

THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

These holidays, you have to be careful.

An elderly woman who had her purse snatched in broad daylight Monday said it happened so fast, she didn’t have time to think about it.

Two youths grabbed her purse out of her shopping cart as she came out of CVS pharmacy on the corner of Highland Avenue and Broad Street.

Selma Police caught the duo on Franklin Street before they got past Selma High School. All her belongings were still in the handbag.

Detective Kenta Fulford said the youths planned the attack.

Curtis Mitchell, 18 of 2019 Lauderdale St., and the 15-year-old, were charged with robbery third degree. Mitchell was booked and released on $15,000 bond. The juvenile was transported to the Hale County Juvenile Detention Center awaiting a hearing.

Fulford said as the Christmas holidays approach shoppers especially need to be aware of their surroundings, while out shopping and at home.

Here are some holiday shopping hints:

& Make sure doors and windows of your home are locked when you leave, even for just a few minutes.

& When shopping, shop before dark. Never park in dark lots, no matter how convenient they may be.

& Put packages in the trunk and make sure car windows are closed and doors are locked.

& Don’t display presents where they can be seen from a window or doorway. Hide them if you leave town.

& Keep on lights and a radio or TV, so your home looks occupied, even if it’s not.

& When you’ll be away from home for long periods of time, use an automatic light timer and have neighbors pick up newspapers, mail and even park in your driveway from time to time.

& Be cautious of strangers asking for charitable donations during the holidays.

& Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or credit or debit cards when possible.

& Keep a firm grip on purses and wallets. Put purses under your arm; keep wallets keep inside jacket pockets, not back pants pockets.

& Be wary if anyone bumps into you. It may be an accident, or it could be someone trying to pick your pockets.

& Don’t try to carry too many packages.