Make sure your holidays are safe
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
With Christmas right around the corner and the Christmas holiday more than well underway, the Emporia Police Department offered several tips to help prevent theft this holiday season.
Det. Sgt. Carlton L. Heller broke the tips into sections:
“The holidays should be a season of joy,” Carlton said. “It is a time to enjoy being with family and friends. The holidays are a busy time for shoppers.”
That busy time for shoppers also means opportune moments for crime. Carlton offered the following tips:
At home
- Lock doors when leaving home, even for a few minutes.
- Do not display holiday gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway.
- Make sure alarms are in working order and the contact information is up to date. Check smoke detectors.
- Do not leave holiday lighting on overnight or for extended periods of time, indicating you are away from home.
- Keep all outdoor security lighting on from dusk until dawn or consider motion-activated lighting.
- Avoid hanging a wreath or decorations on a door that would block the view from the window or peephole.
- Avoid advertising your purchases by not displaying pictures of purchased items on cardboard in your trash bin, such as televisions, stereos or other appliances. Cut boxes into smaller pieces to fit inside trash bin.
While shopping
- Shop before dark if possible.
- Try to coordinate shopping trips with family and friends.
- Avoid parking in unlit parking areas.
- Lock all packages in the vehicle’s trunk and hide any belongings left in the vehicle.
- Hide any address labels or personal identification out of view.
- Keep doors locked and windows closed in vehicle.
- Keep car keys ready and available when approaching vehicle.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Teach children who to go to in case you become separated in a store.
- Never leave purse, wallet or cell phone in shopping cart or stroller while shopping.
- Take out car keys and lock vehicle when fueling.
Entertaining guests
- When you’re the host of a holiday party, have non-alcoholic beverages available for guests.
- Have alternate transportation for intoxicated persons.
- If you are the host, you’re responsible for your guests’ safety. Don’t let them drink and drive.