Holiday Safety Tips From PWPD

The holiday season is always a special time of the year. It is also a time when busy

people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware.

Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors. I wish you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.

DRIVING

1) Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your car alarm or use an anti-theft device. If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.

2) Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.

3) Park as close as you can to your destination, and take notice of where you parked.

4) Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.

5) Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk.

6) Be sure to locate your keys prior going to your car.

7) Keep a secure hold onto your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.

8) When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.

9) Avoid approaching your car alone. If there are suspicious people in the area, ask mall or store security for an escort.

AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE (ATM)

1) If you must use an ATM, choose one that is in a well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash needed.

2) Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.

3) Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

SHOPPING

1) Stay alert at all times to your surroundings.

2) Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

3) Dress casually and comfortable, avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

4) Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and keep cash in your front pocket.

5) Be sure your purse or wallet is secured at all times. If you are carrying a wallet, carry it in your front pants pocket. The rear pocket is the easiest to pick. When in a restaurant, do not leave your handbag over the back of your chair or on the floor.

6) Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen, or misused.

7) Keep a record of all your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

8) Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

9) Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

HOME SAFETY

1) Reset automatic timers this weekend. A dark house is an unoccupied house. A house with no light on at dinnertime tells burglars you are not at home.

2) Create an up-to-date home inventory including make, model, serial number, where and when purchased, and the item’s purchase price or estimated value. Attach receipts if you have them. Take photographs or videotape everything, and keep them in a safe place.

3) Keep your shrubbery trimmed. Thick tall shrubbery provides cover for a burglar to work undetected.

4) Make sure the exterior of your house is well-lit. Exterior lights are important especially near the doors or in the rear of the house, where most burglars do their work.

5) Make sure all doors and windows are locked when you leave, even if you have an alarm system. Lock the doors and windows even if you plan to leave only for a few minutes. Most burglars won’t attempt to break a secured window for fear of attracting attention.

6) Secure any sliding doors. Make sure the lock is in working order. A steel rod in the door channel is helpful. For additional security, install two or three screws in the overhead track to reduce the chance of the door being lifted out of the track.

7) If you have an alarm system, put up signs that say that you do. Do not use signs that hint at what type of equipment your system uses. Have your alarm serviced by a reputable technician. Use your alarm.

8) Keep your garage doors closed and locked. This helps prevent access to the house and protects property stored in the garage.

9) Do not leave all your valuables in your bedroom. Burglars typically check the bedrooms first.

10) Make your home appear occupied by putting lights and televisions on timers when no one is home.

11) Outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.

12) If on vacation, have the post office hold your mail, or have a trusted neighbor pick up all mail, newspapers and deliveries daily. Do not allow these items to accumulate. Ask the same neighbor to park in your driveway while you are gone.

13) Ask a trusted neighbor to tend the yard, shovel the snow, and watch your home when you are away or have a trusted friend or relative house sit in your absence.

14) Do not allow empty garbage pails to sit curbside after trash collection days.

15) Do not let people know you are not home by posting about it on the Internet or on voicemail.

16) Never leave a house key in such obvious places as a mailbox or under a door mat.

17) Offer to help a neighbor with any of the above. Be a good neighbor. Watch out for each other.

18) Always lock your vehicle, no matter where it is parked, even in your driveway.

19) Be an observant neighbor. Notify police of any suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Use 911. Residents and police are partners in solving these crimes; we welcome the information provided by the communities we serve.

20) Help prevent your home from becoming a target. Walk around your home, and do a thorough security inspection.