Claremont Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

Press release from the City of Claremont:

December 16, 2020

The holiday season is here and while you prepare for the holidays, it is important to remain vigilant of holiday crime and don’t let the spirit of giving allow you to give burglars and porch pirates an upper hand to do their dirty work.

As the holidays approach, people start to rush and become stressed out and careless, trying to get everything done. It is imperative to keep in the back of your mind that theft prevention is still very real, so much so that it’s enough to make a burglar giddy with holiday joy. Here are some crime prevention tips to keep in mind from your Claremont Police Department:

Securing Your Home:

Turn on the lights and radio or TV so it looks like someone is home.

Lock all doors and windows when you leave, including second floor windows and doors – even if you are stepping out for a few minutes.

Do not display gifts where they can be seen from the outside.

Avoid displaying valuable items such as TVs and computers near windows with open drapes or shades.

Use highly visible alarms signs, “Beware of Dog” signs, or Neighborhood Watch decals.

Securing Your Vehicle:

Never leave your car unlocked, or the windows open. Leaving your car unlocked is an open invitation.

Never leave home or office keys in your car. The keys, along with any identifying paperwork left in the car could lead a thief to your home or business.

Never leave valuables in clear view. Do not leave purses, cellular phones, backpacks, laptop computers, gym bags, shopping bags, packages, etc. visible from the outside of your vehicle. Place it in the trunk so it is not visible to the opportunist.

Never leave your car running while it is unattended.

If you have a garage, use it. Remember to lock your garage.

If you are parking at night, or will be returning to your car after dark, park in a well-lit area. Stay away from areas that are concealed, obscured or remote.

Securing Your Packages:

Retrieve a package as soon as it arrives. Or avoid delivery by using ship-to-store or curbside pickup.

Use a tracking feature to check online when a package is scheduled to arrive.

Request that your package is sent with the “signature required” feature so it can't be delivered without one.

If you're not going to be home, set up a specific delivery time when you will be. Or have the package sent to a trusted person who will be home.

Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering packages/gifts.

It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.

No matter how safe the neighborhood is or how nice the shopping center appears, thefts can always occur. By doing your part in remaining vigilant and doing your part, we can reduce the thefts in our community and keep the Holidays a time of cheer.

This press release was produced by the City of Claremont. The views expressed here are the author’s own.