Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The holiday season brings joy and togetherness but also an uptick in scams and theft, according to Detective Mike Wells of the Albemarle County Police Department. Detective Wells shared crucial tips to help the community protect themselves online and in person during this busy time of year. 

“Where people get into scams is where they start, you know, that ‘too good to be true’ deal,” said Wells, urging shoppers to stick to trusted vendors. He emphasized using credit cards instead of debit cards linked to bank accounts, adding, “Make sure that you keep a close eye on all your credit and debit cards.”  

The detective also highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates,” thieves who steal delivered packages. “The most common things we see this time of year… the porch pirates is what I call them, they come up and take items off your porch while you’re at work,” Wells explained. He recommended using delivery boxes with locks or installing doorbell cameras, noting that such systems help both prevention and community reporting.  

Detective Wells concluded with a reminder to stay vigilant. “If you see someone kind of looking through different windows in a parking lot, call us, let us know. We’ll ride through,” he advised, highlighting the importance of community awareness and police cooperation. 

Residents are encouraged to implement these tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday season while minimizing risks. 

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