Port Washington Police Offer Holiday Safety Tips

Port Washington Police Chief James Salerno and the Board of Police Commissioners wish you peace and joy during this holiday season and offer the following safety tips:

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

• Do not leave purchased items visible in the car-leave them in the trunk.
• While shopping in the evening hours may be less crowded, there are also additional potential risks involved. Park in areas of parking lots that have adequate lighting. Consider shopping with someone rather than going alone.
• Keep the amount of available cash you have at a minimum or separate it into different pockets or locations on or about your person. This way all of it is not lost if your purse or wallet is misplaced or stolen.
• Credit cards offer convenience and security, however, keep track of all cards and keep receipts to compare to your monthly statement.
• Remain aware of your surroundings at all times and move to and from your vehicle with confidence and “purpose”. Have keys ready before getting to your car so you do not have to search for them while standing near it.
• Report suspicious people or activity to law enforcement immediately!
• Most important is to reduce your own vulnerability and do what you can to minimize the possibility that you could be a victim of a crime or accidental loss.

PURSE AND WALLET SAFETY

• Only take what you need for the day.
• Keep ID, keys and credit cards on your person and not in your handbag.
• Carry purses and handbags under your arm like a football, not dangling from the straps or draped over shoulders or around the neck.
• Do not leave your purse or handbag unattended while shopping, such as in a shopping cart.
• Be aware of your purse and wallet in crowded areas. Wallets should be carried in the front trouser pocket or inside jacket pocket.
• When dining out, keep your purse or handbag on your lap.
• If someone attempts to rob you, do not resist especially if a weapon is involved. Resisting might result in injury or worse.

BURGLARY

• A dark house is an unoccupied house. A house with no light on at dinner time tells burglars that you are not at home.
• Do not leave all your valuables in your bedroom. Burglars always check bedrooms first
• Keep shrubbery trimmed. Thick, tall shrubbery provides cover for a burglar to work undetected.
• If you have an alarm system, put up signs that say 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
• Make sure the exterior of your house is well-lit. Exterior lights are important -- especially near doors or in the rear of the house, where burglars do most of their work.
• Close and lock your windows. Most burglars won’t attempt to break a secured window for fear of attracting attention.
• 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
• Make an itemized list of everything you own. Include brand name, model number, serial number, where and when purchased, and the items’ purchase price or estimated value. Attach receipts if you have them. Take photographs or videotape everything, and keep them in a safe place.
• If you are going away, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up all mail, newspapers and deliveries daily. Do not allow these items to accumulate. Ask this same neighbor to park in your driveway while you are gone.
• Don’t let empty garbage pails sit curbside after trash collection days.
• Offer to help a neighbor with any of the above. Be a good neighbor. Watch out for each other.