BPD Chief Sammy Crosland
BENNETTSVILLE — As Bennettsville Police chief, Sammy Crosland is always busy, but since he is dedicated to community safety in Bennettsville and beyond, he took the time to talk with the Herald-Advocate to advocate for some travel and general all-around safety tips for residents to consider during the holiday season.
“As we move into the busiest travel season of the year, I encourage everyone to take simple steps to protect themselves and their belongings,” shared Crosland.
He suggests some of the simplest safety measures we can take are often best and being vigilant of one’s surroundings remains valuable advice year-round.
Chief Crosland added, “Whether you’re traveling with or without presents in the car, keep all valuables out of sight, lock your doors, stay alert, and plan your route before you leave. Criminals often look for quick opportunities, so making your vehicle a harder target goes a long way.”
When traveling, the chief also offers guidance for those of the population considered to be vulnerable such as elderly or women traveling alone.
Crosland always advises women travelers to pay attention to their surroundings and remain aware of those around them they do not know in areas that are unfamiliar to them.
“I always recommend having your keys in hand before you reach your car and locking your doors as soon as you get inside. Avoid lingering in parking lots and trust your instincts if something feels off, move to a safer location or contact law enforcement immediately.”
Crosland’s best advice for those traveling alone is fueling up before night falls.
“For seniors or anyone traveling alone, I strongly recommend fueling up during daylight hours and choosing well-lit, familiar locations if you must stop at night. Park close to the store entrance, stay in well-populated areas, and lock your vehicle even while pumping gas,” suggested Crosland, adding, “Light and visibility are two of the best deterrents.”
As a lawman, Chief Crosland knows the holiday season often elicits strong emotions and can be a time of extreme stress for a variety of reasons. Pointing out the season always means increased traffic and stressed-out drivers trying to find their way to grandma’s house, or just really dreading getting there, Crosland shared tips for dealing with grinchy drivers on the interstate.
“If you encounter an aggressive driver, the best thing you can do is avoid engaging with them. Don’t make eye contact, don’t respond with gestures, and don’t escalate the situation,” explained Crosland.
The best way you can do this, he suggested is to “Create space, let them pass, and stay in your vehicle if confronted. If you ever feel threatened, call 911 immediately. Your safety is more important than proving a point on the road.”
Once you get to your destination, or even if you must stop overnight, Crosland knows dangers can still be lurking, so he offered some additional suggestions for keeping your vehicle protected wherever it’s parked.
He advised, “Every year around this time, we see an increase in vehicle break-ins. The most common factor is unlocked doors. My advice is simple: lock your vehicle every single time, remove all valuables, and use good lighting around your home. Criminals prefer dark, quiet areas where they won’t be seen.”
According to Chief Crosland, after the holidays the BPD typically sees an uptick in criminals known to them driving through neighborhoods lurking outside homes looking for clues to new items that may be hidden inside.
He suggests, “When disposing of gift wrapping and boxes especially for electronics break them down and keep labels facing inward so you’re not advertising your new purchases. Try to place them outside as close to your waste service pick up time as possible.”
Touching on home invasions, which the BPD also sees an increase in during the holidays, he continued, “If you ever come home and notice signs of forced entry, do not go inside. Go to a safe area and call 911. Allow officers to check the home first. Avoid touching or moving anything so we can properly process the scene. Once officers clear the home, document what’s missing and consider updating your security measures with cameras, alarms, or better lighting.”
Making sure to leave no stone unturned when it comes to residents’ safety this holiday season, Crosland also shared his advice on combatting holiday season scammers.
“A common scam involves someone pretending to be from the police department and saying you’re in trouble and must pay a fine,” volunteered Crosland, adding he has also seen fake delivery notifications, online shopping scams, utility or government impersonation calls, and charity scams using the season to take advantage of people’s generosity.
Crosland advises, “If you believe someone is trying to scam you, stop communicating immediately. Don’t click links or send money. Call the company or agency directly using a verified number, not a number from an email or text. Report the attempt to your local police department so we can track patterns and help protect others.” He continued, “And remember there is no shame in reporting it. Scammers target everyone.”