Perry County Sheriff Issues Holiday Shopping Safety Tips for Residents

The Perry County Sheriff’s Office released a set of safety recommendations on December 19 aimed at helping residents stay safe during the busy holiday shopping period. Sheriff Root and deputies urged shoppers to choose well lit parking areas, stay aware of their surroundings, and limit distractions such as cell phones and loud music while moving between stores and vehicles.

The guidance emphasized keeping valuables out of sight both in stores and in vehicles, and taking care when handling cash or entering personal identification numbers at checkouts and at ATMs. Officers highlighted that simple precautions can reduce the chance of opportunistic theft, a concern that rises when more people are out shopping and parking lots are full.

Motorists were reminded to lock vehicles, secure purchases out of view, and never leave children or pets unattended in parked cars. The sheriff’s advisory urged residents to be cautious when parking in unfamiliar areas and to accompany children to and from vehicles whenever possible. Deputies also asked the public to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement promptly, using 911 for emergencies and the sheriff’s office for non emergency concerns.

For Perry County, where community ties are strong and many residents shop locally, the guidance is intended to protect both individual households and the local economy. Theft and unattended vehicle incidents can have outsized effects in smaller communities, creating financial strain and eroding the sense of security that residents value during the holidays.

While seasonal safety tips are familiar in many places, the sheriff’s message served as a timely reminder that personal vigilance, basic vehicle security, and quick reporting to authorities remain the most effective tools for preventing crime. Residents who follow the advice can help keep Perry County safer during this and future busy shopping seasons.