WESTFIELD—As the holiday shopping season comes to its hectic close, would-be criminals may try and find an opportunity to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.
Westfield Police warn of counterfeit money use and packages being taken from doorsteps as Christmas and other gift-giving holidays and times happen. Police want people and businesses to remain vigilant so that they do not become victims, as well.
Regarding counterfeit money, Westfield Detective Todd Edwards said that there usually is an increase in the use of the bills during this time of year.
A collection of counterfeit bills in Westfield Police Department possession.
In fact, two such incidents have occurred recently, both at Walmart in Westfield. On Dec. 10, police reported that there was an incident of $600 worth of counterfeit $20 bills allegedly used at the store, then a week later on Dec. 17, another $600 worth of counterfeit bills, this time $50 bills, were allegedly used. Both incidents are under investigation.
This may occur as those committing the acts attempt to take advantage of situations, such as seasonal employees who may not be as experienced.
“They may look for someone younger or a trainee because they know they’re not as savvy,” Edwards said.
Or they could try to take advantage of the hectic holiday season.
“They may hit before closing time, looking for a diversion,” he said.
In addition, those attempting to pass counterfeit bills may be looking for items that may be more easily exchanged for cash, Edwards said, such as gift cards or electronics like iPads.
A backlit $20 bill. Notice the security bar on the left and the watermark in the lower right of Andrew Jackson.
Edwards said that counterfeit bills may come from a number of areas, including locally. However, there has been an influx of counterfeit money from South American and Asian countries, according to Edwards, as well as the use of “movie money,” which is commonly used in the making of films, over the past two years.
Businesses and their employees should be aware of the money that they are receiving during transactions, and should pay attention to the look of the paper money, as well as its feel.
“Counterfeit can be made out of wood pulp paper and feels waxy and slick,” Edwards said. “Real money is made of linen” and has a different texture.
Additional differences, according to Edwards, are that real bills have stamped lines that are “nice and clean,” while counterfeit bills may have lines that are not as crisp and look “furry” or a bit blurred around the edges.
Also, certain bills will have security strips that are in specific locations, as well as watermarks and shifting ink, based on the denomination, according to Edwards.
Pens used to find counterfeit bills may be helpful in detecting them, but due to what is called “washing,” or using lower denomination bills for higher denomination counterfeits, it is suggested to look for the additional security features, as well.
Packages delivered to your home
Regarding the theft of packages from homes, Edwards suggests that residents look to invest in security systems that can monitor their homes.
“People should get general surveillance. Wireless cameras are easy to stick wherever, you can hide it,” he said.
He said that the cameras can both monitor and potentially catch would-be thieves in the act, while also being a potential deterrent if visible.
Cameras are also becoming less expensive, Edwards said, and can be linked to your cell phones or mobile devices for added surveillance.
Other steps that residents can take are to have a neighbor who may be around take packages in for them. Also, certain delivery companies may offer the option to have a package dropped off at a place of employment, as well as package tracking, so you can have a good idea of when it may arrive.
