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Avoid being a crime victim this holiday season
Holiday Crime Prevention Tips
As the holiday season approaches, the rush and good will that surrounds this time can increase the opportunities for criminal activity. The West Palm Beach Police Department suggests these simple tips to assist you in having a safe and happy holiday season.
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 oryour vehicle until you have ensured all is secure & safe. Trust your instincts; if you feel uncomfortable with a place or person(s), get away.
Park in a well-lit area.
Remember to lock your vehicle!! Keep vehicle doors & 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 & 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 thosecards that you will need to use that day.
Keep a master list of all cards so 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 short time for paying for your gas, purchasing a soda or putting gas in your car.
Only make online purchases from trusted, secure websites. Look for
https” in the web address to verify security.
At Home:
Make sure all doors & 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 that are 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.
Investigate charities before donating by calling the charity’s main office.
Be sure to mail cards with money, checks or gift certificates from the Post Office or a blue US 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, and/or sign up for the West Palm Beach Police Departments’ “House Watch” program. (822-1634)
Call and have the delivery of your mail and newspapers stopped.
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.
Avoid distractions like 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 everyone!
Be patient! Give yourself extra time for travel, especially in rain. Even in dry conditions, traffic during the holidays is heavier than normal, and it will takelonger than you expect to get around.
After The Holidays:
Pay close attention to you bills and report any unauthorized charges.
Photograph, engrave and record the serial numbers of new items and add them to your household inventory.
Hopefully by following these tips your Holidays will be safe, happy, and crime free!!
From all of us at the West Palm Beach Police Department’s Community Response Division, we want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
