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Holiday Safety Tips and Reminders

The Holidays are upon us.  Please be safe and aware.  Here are few holiday safety tips and reminders to keep your season Merry & Bright.

Shopping Safety

• If buying an item from a luxury store, such as Louis Vuitton or Gucci, take an extra bag from another store such as Macy’s or Dillard’s to put your purchased items in.
• If you notice a vehicle following you, DO NOT drive home or to your next destination, drive to the nearest police station.
• Individuals should not leave their purses or wallets unattended while shopping. Especially during the Holiday Season, criminals will be looking for the opportunity to victimize individuals that do not take precautions to minimize their risk of theft.
• Only carry a minimal amount of credit cards when out shopping.
• Taking the extra time to close your purse and keep it with you while shopping or in public places will reduce the opportunity for thieves to take wallets and other valuables.
• Do not leave your purse or other valuables in plain sight unattended in your vehicle. Secure them in the trunk BEFORE arriving at your destination.
• When possible walk to your car with someone or ask a store employee to walk with you to your car especially after dark.

ATM Safety

• If you must use an ATM after hours, make sure it’s in a well-lit area.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Keep your eyes and ears open, and keep car doors locked.
• Try to use ATMs during business hours inside of the bank.
• Never walk away from an ATM with cash still in hand.  If you are going to count your money, do so at the ATM.  Then take the time to put your money away before leaving.

Vehicle Safety

• Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away from it, even for “just a moment”.
• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked.  Put them in the truck before arriving at your destination.
• Approach your car with the key in hand before getting in.  Look around and inside before getting in.
• Be especially alert at intersections, gas stations, ATMs, shopping malls, convenience and grocery stores, all are windows of opportunity for carjackers.
• If being carjacked and the offender has a weapon, give up the car with no question asked.  Your life is worth more than a car.

Home Tips

• Keep holiday gift trash in the garage until service day.  Do not put the box from the new 70” TV you bought out on the curb after opening.
• Keep doors locked and look out the window or peep hole before opening the door.
• Don’t leave garage door cracked or open if not outside.