This holiday season, don’t let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers, and pickpockets a better chance to work their trade. Crooks love the holidays as much as anyone else, but they love it chiefly because the opportunity for crime abounds this time of year.
Homes packed with expensive gifts, stores, malls and city streets teeming with unsuspecting shoppers, people rushing about looking for last minutes gifts, trying to get everything done - it’s enough to make any crook giddy with holiday joy. Here are some reminders to help make your holiday season a safe and happy one for you and your family.
If you’re traveling for the holidays, do a few things to make your home look occupied. Get a few automatic timers for your lights. Set them to turn your lights on and off at various intervals throughout the evening. Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel the snow and park in your driveway from time to time. Don’t forget to have someone pick up your mail and newspaper, or have your delivery stopped. Piled up mail or newspapers are a sure sign that no one is home. Encourage your neighbors to call 911 if they witness any suspicious activity around your home.
If you’re out for the evening turn on a few lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone is home. Be extra careful to lock doors and windows when you leave, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside.
People are especially vulnerable when they’re shopping. Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you. Park your car in a well-lighted space and be sure to lock it up, close the windows, and put your shopping bags in the trunk. Leaving your purchases in plain view in your car is just asking for trouble. And never, ever leave your car running when you’re shopping. We see a spike in auto theft every year for this very reason.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or credit/debit cards whenever possible. Deter pickpockets and purse snatchers. Don’t overburden yourself with packages. Someone who looks distracted or preoccupied is a far more tempting target than someone who is paying attention to his or her surroundings. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
Be wary of strangers who come to your door. Criminals sometimes take advantage of the season by posing as delivery people or by soliciting for non-existent charities. Don’t let delivery people into your home, especially if you’re not expecting them. Ask for identification and, in the case of someone soliciting for charity, find out how the money will be used. If you aren’t satisfied, don’t give. Help a charitable organization that you already know and trust instead. Always call 911 to report suspicious people going door to door.
Finally, don’t let holiday stress get the best of you. Make time to get together with family, friends and neighbors. Reach out in the spirit of the season and help someone who is less fortunate than you. There are plenty of ways to make a positive difference in someone else’s life, and the holidays are a great time to discover how.