Oakland Police advise caution when doing in-person holiday shopping

A U.S. Postal Service (U.S.P.S.) worker unpacks packages from a truck on December 02, 2019 in San Francisco, California.
A U.S. Postal Service (U.S.P.S.) worker unpacks packages from a truck on December 02, 2019 in San Francisco, California. Photo credit Justin Sullivan/Getty Image

OAKLAND (KCBS RADIO) – Thanksgiving is over and has ushered in "Cyber Monday." While some might be planning on doing their holiday shopping online, Bay Area police departments are reminding in-person shoppers to take precautions this holiday season.

For more, stream KCBS Radio now.

The Oakland Police Department has posted on its Twitter page reminding shoppers to be alert and aware of their surroundings at all times.

"When possible, use ATMs in well-lit, populated areas," said OPD Public Information Officer Kim Armstead. "Or go inside the bank to make any transactions."

People should also be on the lookout for porch pirates right now, people who steal packages from doorsteps.

If that’s a concern, people should have packages delivered to authorized pickup locations or have a neighbor bring them in as soon as they arrive.

This comes just days after Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf announced a plan to protect shoppers during the holidays.

The plan includes increased lighting and safety ambassadors in business districts.

Fortunately, at least right now, crime has been going down in Oakland, according to Oakland Police.

"We've seen decreases in our homicides, a 26% decrease in our shootings, decreases in our robberies, with a downward trend in our carjacking," said Oakland Police Chief Darren Allison.

DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured Image Photo Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Image