When shopping:
-
Be ALERT and AWARE
of your surroundings. Pay attention to who is around you and
what activities are happening. Don't leave the safety of a
building or your vehicle until you have ensured all is secure
and safe. Trust your instincts; if you feel uncomfortable with a
place or person, get away. Park in a well-lit area.
-
Remember to lock
your vehicle! Keep vehicle doors and windows locked while you
are in it and especially when you are not! Use anti-theft
steering wheel clubs or locks as well. A thief is looking for
easy targets, and anything you can do to deter them from
choosing your car, the better.
-
Minimize the
number of valuables left in your vehicle, and keep valuables,
electronics (including cell phones and DVDs), gifts and other
"theft attractors" out of sight.
-
Protect your purse
or wallet, and clean out any unnecessary items before leaving
home. Don't carry large amounts of cash or extra credit cards.
Carry only those cards that you will need to use that day. Keep
a master list of all cards so that if your wallet is stolen,
they can be reported promptly to the appropriate banking
facility.
-
Never leave your
purse, wallet or cell phone unattended in a public place.
-
Don't overburden
yourself with packages while shopping.
-
Shop with a buddy
-- there is safety in numbers.
-
Role-play with
children about what should happen in the event you are
separated.
-
Have your keys out
and ready when you return to your vehicle.
-
Do not leave your
car unattended with the motor running or with the keys in the
ignition -- even for the very short time needed to do a quick
errand or pay for fuel.
-
Make online purchases only from
trusted, secure sites. Look for "https" in the Web address to
verify security.
At home:
-
Make sure all
doors and windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts,
dowels, etc.), and use them!
-
Ensure that dark
areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after
dark or activated by sensors.
-
Place gifts where
they can't be seen from the outside.
-
Avoid opening the
door to strangers. Legitimate delivery people will be able to
show identification.
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-
Investigate
charities before donating by calling the secretary of state's
office or the charity's main office.
-
Be sure to mail
cards with money, checks or gift certificates from the post
office or a blue U.S. Postal Service collection box.
-
If traveling, use timers for lights and
radios while you're away. Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or
block watch member to watch your home. Remember to make
arrangements for mail and newspapers.
When driving:
-
Recognize that the
holidays can cause stress. Keep emotions under control while
driving. Give other drivers plenty of space, and always leave
yourself a route to avoid an accident.
-
If you attend
parties where alcohol is served, remember to use a designated
driver.
-
Prepare for winter
driving conditions, and equip your vehicle with cold weather
emergency supplies.
-
Minimize
distractions such as talking on a cell phone.
-
Take frequent
breaks to avoid fatigue, especially when driving long distances.
If you get tired, stop and rest until you're able to drive with
full attention.
-
Buckle up! That
means passengers and kids, too!
-
Be patient! Give yourself extra time
for travel, especially in snow or rain. Even in dry conditions,
traffic during the holidays is heavier than normal, and it will
take longer than you expect to get around.
After the holidays:
[Text from file received from
Lincoln/Logan County Crime Stoppers]
 |
