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These tips can help keep you, your friends, and your family safe throughout the chaos and fun of the holidays. Unfortunately crooks and criminals don't take a holiday at this time of year. Follow the guidelines below to steer clear of trouble.
- Remember the three A's of crime prevention
- Be Aware of your surroundings
- Be Alert to suspicious people and vehicles
- Avoid dangerous situations
- Is it absolutely necessary to carry a purse or bag at all times? A wallet or credit card in a pocket would be less tempting.
- Carry only the amount of cash or credit cards that you need.
- Keep your bag closed and carry it in front of you and close to your body. Do not carry spare keys in your purse.
- Avoid carrying a lot of packages, it can make you look defenseless. Place all packages and gifts in the locked trunk of your vehicle.
- Avoid follow-home strong-arm robberies. As you drive home with your trunk full of gifts, look for potential danger before entering your driveway. Do not enter your driveway if a suspicious vehicle has followed you. Go to the nearest safe location, or an area where there are people and call the police.
- If you are confronted in your driveway, remain in your locked car with your windows up and blow your horn. The distance from your car to your front door is "no man's land". And make sure the walkways, doorways, and driveways around your home are well lit.
- If someone attacks you, just give up the property. If you are afraid your attacker will knock you down, sit down. There is nothing in your purse, wallet, or shopping bags worth serious injury or death!
- When using the ATM, make sure that it is not in a secluded location and is well lighted. Have a friend with you if possible. Go directly to your car and count the cash in your vehicle, not at the ATM.
- Be aware of where you are and where you are going at all times. Stay away from potentially dangerous areas or situations.
- Trust your instincts. If you suspect something is wrong, or if a situation seems dangerous, you may by right! Don't dismiss suspicious people, cars, or situations. Report them immediately.
- At home, do not display all your gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway.
- Going on vacation for the holidays? Have a friend or family member check on your home and leave emergency contact information with them.
- Beware of holiday con-games and fraud schemes, only give to charities that you have dealt with before.
- Call 9-1-1 for EMERGENCY and your police department's regular number (you can find it in the phone book) for NON EMERGENCY.
Be safe this holiday season! Thanks for helping spread the word.
