Holiday Safety Tips

This holiday season is an opportune time for burglars and thieves to commit crimes. Homes jam-packed with glittering gifts. Stores, malls and downtown full of unsuspecting shoppers. People are rushing around, stressed and careless, looking for last-minutes gifts, trying to get everything done. Do your part to make the Holidays a safe and happy time for everyone except the criminals.

Stay Safe This Holiday Season

Use only secured websites when shopping on line, and check your credit card statement to make sure only the charges you made are listed

Don’t have packages delivered to your house. Request to pick them up at UPS, FedEx, etc.

Make sure you lock all doors and windows of your home when you leave to go out.

Do not display gifts in an area where they can be seen from the outside through a front window.

Do not use an ATM at night or after dark.

Be alert to anyone soliciting donations door to door for charities and do not open your door to strangers

If possible, avoid shopping after dark/at night. If evening is the only time you can shop, take a friend or family member with you.

Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when walking to your car. Have your keys in hand when walking to your car. Searching for car keys can make you vulnerable

Do not leave packages and shopping bags in the car. When out shopping lock them in your trunk. When you arrive home, bring them inside with you.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash: pay by debit or credit card or check.

Be extra careful during the holidays; purses and wallets are prime targets of criminals. Carry purses close to your body and men should put their wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. Also, avoid overloading yourself with packages.

If you are away for the holidays, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers and to park a car in your driveway.

DON'T drink and drive - designate a driver, take a taxi, or call Uber or Lyft

DON'T text while you are driving

If you must make or return a call, wait until you can get somewhere safe and stop

Use only secured websites when shopping on line, and check your credit card statement to make sure only the charges you made are listed

Don’t have packages delivered to your house. Request to pick them up at UPS, FedEx, etc.

Make sure you lock all doors and windows of your home when you leave to go out.

Do not display gifts in an area where they can be seen from the outside through a front window.

Do not use an ATM at night or after dark.

Be alert to anyone soliciting donations door to door for charities and do not open your door to strangers

If possible, avoid shopping after dark/at night. If evening is the only time you can shop, take a friend or family member with you.

Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when walking to your car. Have your keys in hand when walking to your car. Searching for car keys can make you vulnerable

Do not leave packages and shopping bags in the car. When out shopping lock them in your trunk. When you arrive home, bring them inside with you.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash: pay by debit or credit card or check.

Be extra careful during the holidays; purses and wallets are prime targets of criminals. Carry purses close to your body and men should put their wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. Also, avoid overloading yourself with packages.

If you are away for the holidays, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers and to park a car in your driveway.

DON'T drink and drive - designate a driver, take a taxi, or call Uber or Lyft

DON'T text while you are driving

If you must make or return a call, wait until you can get somewhere safe and stop

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