The holidays are time when thieves and con artists are frequently on the prowl. Here are some tips to help you keep your home, your car, your possession, and your family safe.
Keeping Your Home Safe
We all want our homes to reflect the joy of the season, but avoid displaying gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway.
Arrange to have packages delivered to a neighbor if you’re not home to receive them.
Packages left on porches or doorsteps are “easy picking” for thieves. It also draws unwanted attention to your home.
Consider simple outside decorations. Elaborate or large lawn pieces are often stolen right out of the lawn.
Be sure not to obscure the view from your windows. You need a clear view of your property.
Always lock your home’s doors and windows, even if you’re only gone for a few minutes.
Compact or dispose of packaging discreetly. Often criminals will spot something you have discarded and can target you for their next burglary or theft.
When leaving town, have a trusted friend or neighbor take care of your home.
Keeping Your Neighborhood Safe
First, share these tips with your neighbors. Establish a network with your neighbors and make a plan for mutual protection and notification.
Get your Neighborhood Watch group together and go caroling. Visit the elderly and others in your area that may be isolated during the holidays.
Staying Safe While Shopping
Always lock your car and close the windows, even if you’re only gone a few moments.
When possible, lock all merchandise or packages in the trunk of your car. Load your packages before departing, not at the next destination.
Shop with at least one partner. Have your car or house key in your hand as you approach the door. If attacked use those keys as weapons!
Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. Look inside your car and around it as you approach.
Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse under your arm. Keep wallets in an inside pocket.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Avoid street vendors — many times these individuals are selling stolen or unlicensed merchandise.
Plan your trips. Instead of one big shopping trip, try several small ones. This will cut down on the amount of money you carry, the packages you’ll be encumbered with, and it will make your shopping less stressful.
Walk everywhere with a sense of purpose – show you are calm, confident and know where you are going.
Park in well-lighted areas that will be well-lighted when you return.
Keeping Your Credit and Identity Safe
If you write checks, use only the necessary information, name, address, phone number. Never give your social security number.
Safeguard your credit cards and checks as you do cash. Do not leave them in jacket pockets or sitting out in restaurants, stores or hotel rooms.
Keep your purse or wallet on you. Shoulder straps should cross your body, not dangling from your shoulder. Do not lay them in a shopping basket. Be sure they are closed securely.
Make a list of all your credit cards, debit cards and checks with account numbers. Keep the list in a secure place at home.
Notify issuers immediately if your card is lost, stolen or misused.
Take your time when making a purchase. Be sure you collect your license, credit card, or check book and your receipt.
Keep your receipts and reconcile your statement. Promptly report any discrepancies to the issuer.
Consider Direct Deposit of your payroll or benefit checks; it’s safe and convenient and prevents the theft of your checks.
