This is a time of year when many of us will be busy shopping and running errands to prepare for the holiday season, providing criminals with opportunities to target unsuspecting individuals. You can help reduce criminal activity in your community by following some simple tips when shopping or being away from home for extended periods of time.

Shopping

• Be situationally aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of people around you and be alert to things that “don’t feel right”. Report any suspicious activity to store employees, security guards, and/or law enforcement.
• Avoid withdrawing, carrying, or displaying large sums of cash. Use more secure payment methods whenever possible.
• Remember to guard your purse and keep it closed. It takes a thief seconds to take it from your cart or reach inside and take your wallet, phone, or other valuables.
• Always have your car keys in your hand before walking to your vehicle.
• “Remove it or Lose it.” NEVER leave valuables in your car and ALWAYS keep purchases out of sight.
• Be aware of people watching or following you as you make your way to your vehicle. If you ever feel you are being followed, immediately call 911 and drive towards a busy area.

Home

• When using a home delivery service, try scheduling delivery while you are at home or have the package secured at a pick-up location if available. Bring all packages inside as soon as they are delivered.
• Don’t display gifts under your tree that can be visible from outside your home. Although this looks pretty, it can be attractive to would-be thieves.
• Be careful when throwing gift packaging out. Doing so advertises the new items inside your home. Put your trash in black garbage bags and break down boxes to fit in your recycling bin.
• Also, don’t forget to record serial numbers of any new items you purchase or receive during the holidays. Serial numbers are the best way to help get stolen items back to their owners.
• Be mindful of keeping your garage closed and secured when unattended, even during the daytime.

Holiday Travel

• Make sure all of your doors and window are secured and surveillance system (if applicable) is functioning properly.
• If you have a private security service monitoring your home, contact them to let them know you will be traveling
• If you have multiple cars at your home, remove any garage door openers and store them with any spare keys in a secure location.
• Suspend your mail by contacting the U.S. Postal Service or have a friend or family member collect your mail for you.
• If you have a trusted friend or neighbor, let them be aware of your travel plans ahead of time. They can check on the status of your house and report anything suspicious to the police.