Association: Woman Carjacked in Briarcliff Village Last Week

This somehow slipped through my gaze last week: A woman was carjacked in Briarcliff Village on Wednesday afternoon after she left .

The North Briarcliff Civic Association sent out an alert to residents offering a few details about the crime and some tips to stay safe:

As you may have heard, an Evansdale staff member was carjacked Wednesday afternoon in the Briarcliff Village parking lot after shopping at Party City for the Pink Pajama Jam.  She is okay but very shaken as you can imagine.  It seems as if we are entering into our holiday crime pattern early this year.  Please spread the word to your neighborhood watch leaders, friends, and neighbors to let folks know to be extra cautious when out shopping.

The holidays are approaching and crime always goes up. Please be careful and try to stay alert when you’re out and about.  We want you to be safe.  Here are some basic tips from the police:

1.  BE CAUTIOUS:  Watch what’s going on around you and report any suspicious behavior to the police and/or if you’re at a mall, call mall security.

2.  WOMEN – SECURE YOUR PURSE: Whether you’re in a shopping mall or at a grocery store, be sure you don’t wear your purse so it’s accessible to others.  If you’re in a store and have a cart, DO NOT leave your purse in the cart.  Carry it with you.

3. YOUR CAR:  Don’t forget to lock your car and don’t leave any valuables or anything that can be stolen (e.g., GPS, laptop, etc.) where they can be seen by someone outside the car.  Lock them in the trunk.

4. BE CAREFUL using any ATMs. Police say to use outdoor ATMs during daylight hours, protect your pin by shielding it, don't throw away your receipt and watch what's going on around you.

5. ALERT your block neighbors if you're leaving on vacation. Ask them to pick up your newspaper and mail (or stop them online). Leave indoor and outdoor lights on an electric timer and leave a radio on so your house appears occupied.

Most of all, stay alert. And call 911 if you see anything suspicious and/or need help.