Trumbull PD Offers Holiday Safety Tips

TRUMBULL, CT - From the Trumbull Police Department: As the busy holiday season approaches many of us will find ourselves out shopping more. The purpose of this article is to provide some safety tips for the community, but first I would like you to know that several years ago the Trumbull Police Department partnered with Westfield Mall management to open a substation at the Trumbull Shopping Plaza. The Trumbull Police substation is located near Door Four and has been busier than we imagined it would be when it opened. Officers have victims and witnesses provide statements at the substation, in the quiet and confidential setting of an office, it is no longer necessary for witnesses and victims to drive to the Trumbull Police station to be interviewed. We now have accessibility within the shopping plaza to speak with members of the community, and in most cases, to provide direct services in the substation.

Safety Tips:

Always lock your car and take your keys and valuables. Many, many times cars and trucks are entered in driveways and parking lots that were left unlocked with valuables and keys left behind. This has led to stolen property and stolen vehicles. Trumbull is no different than other towns, but we must be more vigilant about our surroundings and make more of an effort to prevent being victimized.

When shopping, keep your purse or handbags close to you so that no one can see what is inside of them. When you need to pay for something avoid showing large amounts of money. It is best to avoid taking money, debit or credit cards from your wallet or purse until it is necessary to pay the cashier. If utilizing a debit or credit card always keep the card close to your body so that the numbers on it cannot be seen by those standing close by. Identify theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States.

Never give personal information to a caller and if something seems too good to be true it probably is. Social Security numbers or credit card numbers, and other personal information such as your date of birth should not be given to a caller over the phone.

Other Tips for a Safe Shopping Experience would be to: Try and shop with friends or family, which may reduce the chance of being victimized. When shopping with little ones never leave them unattended. Never leave your purse behind in a shopping cart and don’t leave it open for others to look inside of. The same applies to your cell phone. Do not leave it unattended. When parking your car try and park in well-lit areas.

Remember, a burglary occurs in the United States about every 13 seconds and is generally the “most common threat to your home”. Keep your doors locked at all times especially when you are leaving your home even for a short period of time. If you have an alarm system use it.

If you see suspicious vehicles or people in your neighborhood please call the police department at 203-261-3665. Try and provide a detailed description of the person or vehicle so that we may investigate.

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