NATCHEZ — In true Grinch fashion, local law enforcement officials say criminals in the Miss-Lou may be on the prowl to victimize residents during the holidays.

Adams County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Courtney Taylor said crimes such as theft can become a problem around Christmastime.

“This is a time of year when people prey on others, unfortunately,” Taylor said.

Natchez Police Department Detective Jerry Ford said the pressures of extra expenses during the holiday season can cause an increase in crime.

“This is the time of year when you have a lot of people who are unemployed (who become) desperate,” Ford said.

Local law enforcement agencies have a few tips to keep residents safe while the Grinch is on the prowl.

Go with a friend.

When going out shopping or partying, use the buddy system.

“When you have two or more people, the chance of someone approaching you to do some type of harm are minimized,” Ford said.

Park with care.

“Park in well-lighted area, under a street light, ideally,” Taylor said. “Stay as close as you can to either other cars or the entrance to the mall or store.”

Taylor also said to store valuables out of sight, such as in the trunk, in order to not invite thieves.

Ford said residents should carry their keys in their hands when walking back to the car at night so criminals can’t sneak up on shoppers or partygoers while they are digging through a bag or pocket for the keys.

“(You can also) use the panic button as a means of letting people know when something is going on,” Ford said.

Taylor said to pay attention to your instincts.

“If you feel the slightest anxiety, go where there are people,” she said.

Taylor advises seeking out a security guard or call the police.

3- Avoid making residences a target for burglars.

Ford said displays of Christmas trees and presents should not be visible from the road while the house is unoccupied.

“It allows criminals the opportunity to look inside and see Christmas gifts under the tree,” Ford said. “If it’s a time when you know you’re leaving the house, make sure you’re closing your windows and not making yourself such an easy target.”

Boxes for large items such as TVs or computers should not be set aside and visible to would-be burglars,

“Dispose of garbage in a way that does not indicate to thieves that you have those items in your home,” Taylor said.

The sheriff’s office recommends installing alarms on doors and windows, because the noise is often enough to deter would-be burglars.

Drink responsibly

Intoxicated residents make easy targets, Ford said.

“(Residents) need to be in right frame of mind so they know what’s going on around them,” he said.

Drunk drivers can be an especially dangerous problem.

“If you see someone who is a danger to themselves or others, take that license tag down and call us,” Taylor said.

Keep an eye out.

Situational awareness is the most important way to stay safe, Ford said.

“During the holidays, residents need to be aware of their surroundings,” Ford said. “They need to be sure that when they’re going out, don’t make yourself an easy target.”

Taylor said not to look at your phone while walking around, especially at night.

“Don’t be distracted,” she said. “Always look around you.”

Supervise all fires.

Natchez Fire Department Chief Aaron Wesley said Yuletide threats are not limited to burglars and crooks. Carelessness with fire hazards can cause a Christmas or New Year’s tragedy.

Wesley said there is no age at which children can safely play with fireworks unsupervised.

“I don’t care what it is, even if it’s a sparkler they’re holding in their hands,” Wesley said.

The NFD, Wesley said, has responded to more than one fire caused by a candle left burning with no one around.

“Do not set that candle close to any flammable things,” Wesley said. “If the candle is burned down to the bottom, you need to discard it.”

Practice safety with holiday decorations

While newer LED Christmas lights don’t put out much heat, Wesley said old-fashioned bulbs and dried-out Christmas trees can become a deadly combination.

Wesley advises getting new lights, and keeping trees in water to keep them fresh.

Residents should also unplug Christmas lights and trees during storms, Wesley said. Floods and lightning can create igniting circumstances for these decorations.

Check smoke alarms.

Batteries in smoke alarms should be checked at the beginning of each year. Smoke alarms should also be regularly checked.

Wesley said smoke alarms are attributed to the survival of about half of all people who escape a fire alive.

“Folks are up cooking late at night into the wee hours, and they get tired and fall asleep,” he warned.

A fire escape plan, Wesley said, is also an important step to take in ensuring a safe holiday.