Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be wary of burglars, thieves, pickpockets, and other holiday grinches. Look over these handy hints for staying safe at home this holiday.
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment, even for a few minutes. Always turn on your alarm even while you are at home.
During the holidays, window shopping takes on a whole new meaning. Don’t openly display gifts under your Christmas tree from the front window so it’s easily visible from the street. It’s too tempting for a potential criminal to smash the window and grab the wrapped packages or plan a later break-in based on their earlier observation.
Don’t advertise … Burglars look for occupancy cues like outdoor lights burning 24 hours a day, piled up newspapers, mail, or advertising flyers hanging on the door knob.
Don’t leave descriptive telephone answering machine messages like, “You’ve reached the Wilson’s … we’re away skiing for the Christmas holidays … please leave a message.” Bad guys love to hear that they have plenty of time to break in and completely ransack your home.
Don’t announce your new high-dollar purchases after the holidays. After Christmas Day or at the end of Hannukah, don’t pile up empty gift boxes from your new computer, DVD player, or flat screen TV on the street for everyone to see. Break the boxes down or cut them up to conceal the items better.
Burglars appreciate knowing that you have expensive gifts inside for them to steal. After a lucrative burglary, the chances of being burglarized again increase. Thieves may return to steal the new replacement products.
Engraved new purchases with your ID number or driver’s license number. Never use your social security number. The Northwest Police Substation has engraving pens that you may “check out.” Their number is 214-670-6178.
Holiday Tips While Shopping
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment, even for a few minutes. Always turn on your alarm even while you are at home.
Carry your valuables wisely. Do not keep cash in your wallet. Instead, keep it in an inside pocket and only carry the credit cards you’ll need.
Lock your packages and gifts in your vehicle’s trunk. Keep you vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed. This is especially relevant for SUVs.
Have your keys readily available in your hand before you go to your car. If you go to an automatic teller machine for cash, check for people around and make sure it is well lit and in a safe location.
When you return to your vehicle, scan the interior of your car to be sure no one is hiding inside. Check to see if you are being followed.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check, credit card, or debit card when possible.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con- artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
