Holiday tips for keeping your home safe
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.
- Lock your doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment, even for a few minutes.
- Turn on your alarm even while you are at home.
- Do not openly display gifts under your Christmas tree so that they easily visible from the street.
- Have someone pick up deliveries (packages, mail, flyers, newspapers, etc.) from your porch any time you will not be home, if even for a day.
- Do not leave outdoor lights on 24 hours a day.
- Do not leave a voicemail recorded messages stating that you will be out of town.
- Do not leave boxes for high-dollar purchases like TVs, computers, electronics, etc.) on the curb. Break the boxes down or cut them up to conceal the items better.
- Beware for repeat burglaries when thieves may return to steal the new replacement products.
- Engrave new purchases with your ID number or driver’s license number. Never use your social security number. Contact the Northwest Police Substation (214-670-6178) to inquire about engraving pens.
Holiday Tips While Shopping
- Carry your valuables wisely.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. 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 your vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed.
- 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.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Thieves may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
