Christmas and the holiday shopping season is a peak time
for crimes such as home burglaries, thefts, and even muggings. This brochure
contains valuable tips that can help prevent you from being the victim of
a crime during the holidays.
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows at all
times.
Don’t display gifts and other valuables where they
can be seen from a window or doorway.
If you go out in the evening, turn on lights and a radio
or television so the house looks occupied.
If you go on vacation, get an automatic timer for
your lights. Ask a neighbor or trusted friend to watch your house, pick
up the mail and newspapers and park their car in your driveway from time
to time.
Beware of package deliveries where couriers have the "wrong"
address. Write down tag numbers of suspicious delivery attempts.
After Christmas, don’t advertise your new electronics
and/or other new valuables that you have just received by putting the boxes
out on the curb for the garbage collectors. Break the boxes down and fold
them to where the words are on the inside.
Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
If you see people "hanging around" parking garages, parking lots,
or the outside of stores, avoid the area. Notify the police or security
department.
Shop before dark if possible. Coordinate shopping trips
with a friend if you plan to be out late. Never park your car in an unlit
area, no matter how convenient it is.
Lock your car doors and windows even if you are only gone
for a few minutes.
Keep packages and other valuables out of public view, preferably
locked in the trunk.
Park near street lights if possible and have your keys
in hand when you return to your car. Always check the interior of your car
before you unlock the door to get in.
To discourage purse snatchers, don’t overburden yourself
with packages. Have your purchases delivered whenever practical.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases
with a check or credit card whenever possible.
Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry
a purse under your arm with the strap across your body. Keep a wallet in
an inside jacket pocket, not a back trouser pocket.
Teach your children to go to a store clerk or security
guard and ask for help if they should become separated in a store or shopping
mall. They should never go into a parking lot alone.
