Thieves are working hard to get some extra Christmas money but you can stop their efforts by using a little caution.

One scam involves a man identifying himself as a representative of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office who asks for money to avoid an arrest, said Detective Lt. Todd Sparks.

"It's a scam," Lt. Sparks said, explaining Sheriff's Office employees never call and ask for money to avoid an arrest.

Another scam involves someone posing as a grandchild begging their grandparents to buy a green card for money to get them released from jail. The thief is playing on emotions.

"It's a lie," Lt. Sparks said. "Don't do it. If someone calls and requests money for a green dot, it is a scam."

Once people give the 16-digit number from the back of the green dot card, the thief can get immediate access to the money.

"Do not give money to anyone through a green dot card," Lt. Sparks said.

Regarding property crimes, Detective Maj. Bill Sharp said residents can help each other prevent home and car burglaries by calling the Sheriff's Office immediately and giving a description of the suspect, the description of the vehicle and the license plate number. This will help deputies in stopping the burglary and locating a suspect.

Before a burglar strikes, residents should document the property in their home by taking photographs and recording the serial numbers. This information will help detectives identify and return stolen property.

Patrol Maj. Egon Grissom said people can also prevent car burglaries by keeping valuables out-of-sight and locked in the trunk. Keep your vehicle doors locked.

Patrol Capt. Steve Spence said many home burglaries are occurring between 11 a.m. and noon. Residents should watch their surroundings when they leave and arrive home for any suspicious situations. They should leave flood lights and motion lights on at night.

To help protect subdivisions and other areas, Capt. Spence recommended joining a Neighborhood Watch group so neighbors can watch out for each other and stop crime. For more information on setting up a Neighborhood Watch group, contact Sgt. Jimmy Cassidy at 904-3019 or Deputy Jim Noe at 904-3018.