Holiday Season Safety Tips From The Chief Of Police

From Palos PD:It’s no mystery why this is so. More online transactions mean more opportunities for fraud. Crowds of distracted shoppers, wallets heavy with credit cards and cash, are prime targets for pickpockets and purse snatchers. Parking lots are ideal for thieves who tail shoppers to their cars to drop off purchases before heading back out to buy more. Packages left on porches in residential neighborhoods are tantamount to low-hanging fruit.

Seasonal crime may be a fact of life, but it needn’t ruin the holidays. Common sense can make all the difference. Avoid dimly lit parking lots. Don’t leave packages or other valuables in plain sight. Lock them in the trunk, or better yet, bring them into the house. Keep wallets in front pockets; wear purses cross-body, zippers zipped. Unless you have a remote starter, don’t leave your car running unattended to warm up. Lock doors and turn on alarms. Please talk to your neighbors and watch out for one another. If you see a box on a porch, chances are a thief will see it too. Notify your neighbor and move it out of sight. Turn outside lights on at night, keep an eye out for loiterers, and report suspicious activity to the police. When shopping online with mobile devices, use secure systems as opposed to public Wi-Fi connections. Update antivirus software. Check your bank and credit card statements for fraudulent transactions. Verify websites and look for the lock symbol and “https” in the web address. Avoid links sent by email.

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