11/07/2025
As the holiday shopping season gets underway, the Kent Police Department is reminding residents to stay alert and take precautions to protect themselves and their valuables when buying gifts online or in person.
The department issued a list of safety reminders this week aimed at helping shoppers avoid theft and scams during one of the busiest retail periods of the year:
- For online shoppers, Kent Police advise using secure websites that include “https” in the web address and researching unfamiliar sellers before making purchases. They recommend using credit cards over debit cards because of stronger fraud protections and monitoring statements regularly for suspicious charges. Shoppers are also encouraged to track deliveries, install doorbell cameras, and arrange to be home or have a neighbor retrieve packages to prevent porch thefts.
- When shopping in person, residents should keep valuables out of sight by placing purchases in the trunk before arriving at a parking lot.
As the holiday shopping season gets underway, the Kent Police Department is reminding residents to stay alert and take precautions to protect themselves and the