Holiday Theft Prevention
The hustle and bustle of the holidays are here! While you’re out shopping and spreading cheer, keep these tips in mind for a safe, happy and crime-free seaon!
Holiday Crime Prevention
The hustle and bustle of the holidays are here! While you’re out shopping and spreading cheer, keep these tips in mind for a safe, happy and crime-free seaon!
Shopping
- Park your vehicle in well-lit areas and lock your doors.
- Remove valuables - including gifts and shopping bags - from plain sight.
- Stay alert to your surroundings.
- Be careful if you are carrying a wallet or purse and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- ATMS: Choose one located inside a mall or a well-lit location, protect your PIN and withdraw only the amount of cas you need.
- Online: keep your personal information safe, shop from your home computer, verify secure connections, use strong passwords, avoid sharing financial information in e-mail and keep an eye on your credit card and bank accounts for anything out of the ordinary.
- Keep a record of all of your banking information and receipts in a safe place at home.
- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
At Home
- Be sure to lock doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
- Avoid leaving gifts under the tree or anywhere visible from the outside.
- If you’re leaving home for an extended amount of time, have a family member or friend watch your house and pick up your newspapers/mail.
- Leave a light and a radio/ television on so the house looks occupied.
- Hide valuables such as jewelry in a secret spot around the house.
Driving
- Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car.
- Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device if you have one. If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
- Avoid parking next to vans, or cars with tinted windows.
- Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
- Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
- Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
- Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
- Keep a secure hold on your purse and parcels; do not put them down or on top of the car when opening the door.
- When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.