Holdiay Crime Prevention Tips

The holiday season is a time of celebration with friends and family.  It can also be a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crimes.  Taking the time to apply the following holiday crime prevention measures, will help you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season:

Attending a Party

•  If you are going to consume alcoholic beverages, plan to have a designated driver or use public transportation.  Never drink and drive.

Driving

• Be cautious while driving at night.
• Keep all doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your vehicle.
• Never park next to large vehicles or vehicles with heavy tinted windows.
• Park in well lighted areas.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended with children inside or while it is running.
• Do not leave gifts or other valuables in plain sight in your vehicle; it is a temptation for thieves.
• Be aware of your surroundings when approaching or leaving your vehicle.
• Try to stay in a group when approaching your vehicle.
• If security is available, ask for an escort to your vehicle if leaving at night and alone.

Shopping

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Minimize shopping at night or when alone; you are more susceptible to being victimized at night or while alone.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.  Take only the cash you need or pay with a credit card or ATM card; carry only as many cards as you will need.
• If you must use an ATM, use one inside of a well-populated building or a well lighted area.  Only withdraw the amount of cash that you will need for that day.
• Protect your PIN from the view of other people near the ATM.
• Keep a records of all your credit card numbers at home in a safe location.  Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.
• Be extra careful when carrying a wallet or purse; only carry what you absolutely need in them.  They are prime target for criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, and bus stops.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages whether on your person on in your vehicle.

Dress

• Dress casually and comfortably
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Carry your wallet in your front pants pocket or your purse securely around your shoulder.

At Home

• Be aware that sometimes criminals will pose as couriers delivering gifts to case your home or to commit a crime immediately.
• Be aware of scams that criminals commit to take advantage of people’s generosity during the holidays.
• Be cautious about locking your windows and doors even when you leave the house for a short period of time.
• When you leave your home for extended holiday travel, have a neighbor or friend watch your home while you are away.  Have them collect your mail and newspapers while you  are gone.
• Place lights, radio, and television on timers so that your home appears occupied.
• Avoid having large displays of gifts visible from windows and doors.

Children

• If possible, leave small children at home when going shopping.
• If they must go shipping with you, try to keep your children close to you at all times.
• Teach them about “Stranger Danger” and who they can go to for help if they get separated from you.  Children should know their full name, address, telephone number, and parent’s /guardians full name to give to police, a store clerk, or security if they get separated from you.

The holiday season is a great time of year and can be very special.  It can also be a tragic time of year if you do not take precautions and practice personal safety measures that can help prevent you or your family from being victimized.