Lakewood Police Department Offers Holiday Safety Tips

LAKEWOOD, CO — The Lakewood Police Department is offering tips for residents to keep their property and families safe this holiday season. Over the holidays, officers are often called to "crimes of opportunity," such as burglaries, package thefts and vehicle thefts.

"These crimes occur when a perpetrator sees an easy opportunity and takes advantage of it," the department said in a notice to residents. "Fortunately, you can do something about this."

Police are offering the following tips:

At home

• Purchase additional locks for all doors and windows and make sure they are locked.
• Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or are activated by sensors.
• Install security cameras.
• Have packages delivered to your workplace if possible.
• Request a mail hold when you’re out of town.
• Sign up for tracking alerts on all online orders.
• Purchase a device known as a smart lock that uses a camera to monitor your front porch if you won’t be home when packages are delivered.

(Stay up-to-date on Lakewood news with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Free Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook)

While out and about

• Always make sure all car doors are locked and secured.
• Never leave gifts, purses, wallets or anything else of value openly visible in your car. Use the trunk as much as possible.
• Pick your parking spot wisely. Look for a well-lit area. If you own a small car, try not to park next to a large vehicle, which can block your vision or another person’s view of you while you are entering or exiting your vehicle.
• Shop during daylight hours if possible and shop with friends. Safety in numbers!
• Never leave your car running. Even if you’re just running into a store or gas station, it takes just a few seconds for a thief to steal your car.
• Do not exit your car if you see a suspicious situation. If you are in doubt, or are approached, drive away.

At holiday events

• Always have a designated driver.
• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Control your alcohol intake. Inebriated people are often the easiest to victimize.
• Never hesitate to call a cab or use a ride-sharing app.

In all settings

• Always be aware of your surroundings. Chances are if something doesn’t look right, it’s probably not.
• If you see something, say something. For emergencies, always call 911. For a non-emergency, you can call to speak to a dispatcher at 303-980-7300.

"Don't let the stress that can come with the holidays get the best of your holiday spirit. Make time to get together with family, friends and neighbors," the department said. "And think about reaching out in the spirit of the season to help someone who's less fortunate or lonely."