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The holidays are a time of giving, good food, family and friends. But unfortunately, holiday time means holiday crime.

The Eureka Police Department says this year, like every year, there was a spike in crime over Thanksgiving and the holiday weekend.

Four residential burglaries, seven vehicle break-ins, broken windows and attempted entry to three businesses, and purses stolen right out of shopping carts were all reported in Eureka alone.

The EPD says perpetrators love to come out on the holidays because there’s more opportunity; People leave shopping bags in their vehicles, have presents under the tree, have packages on their doorsteps and are just preoccupied with all the hustle and bustle the holidays bring.

In this LoCO Video Report we hear more about these issues from the department’s crime analyst and PIO, Brittany Powell. Plus, she shares some tips on how to prevent being a target and potentially victimized the rest of this holiday season.

In addition, law enforcement reiterates: If you see or have surveillance video of any suspicious activity at all, call and report it.

“We might not be able to make an arrest but we can still follow up, and we can look for leads,” said Powell.

Here’s a good example of that. This surveillance video taken on Nov. 25 and uploaded by a resident on California Street. Powell says although the prowler didn’t break into the car, it’s good for the police to see because this individual could be linked to other crimes. So, if you can identity him, please let the EPD know.

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