|
Holidays Are A Time For Extra Precautions
This holiday season, don't let the spirit of giving lull
you into allowing burglars, muggers and pickpockets a
better chance to do their dirty work.
Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, but
chiefly because it's an opportune time for crime.
Homes are jam-packed with glittering gifts, stores are
full of merchandise, unsuspecting shoppers crowd the
malls and downtown streets, and people are rushing
around, stressed out and careless, looking for
last-minute gifts and trying to get everything done.
It's enough to make a crook giddy with holiday joy.
Here are some tips on how to celebrate safely this
holiday season:
 |
Get an automatic timer for lights
|
|
|
Ask a neighbor to watch your home
and to park in the driveway from time to time
|
|
|
Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery
stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're gone.
|
If you're out for the evening:
Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like
someone's home.
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when
you leave, even if it's just a few minutes.
Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.
If you're shopping:
Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
Park in a well-lighted area, and be sure to lock the
car, close the windows and hide shopping bags and gifts
in the trunk.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check
or credit card whenever possible.
Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden
yourself with packages.
Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse
close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put your
wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or
security guard if you get separated.
If a stranger comes to the door, beware:
Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
And it's not uncommon for people to try to take
advantage of others' generosity during the holidays by
going door-to-door for bogus charitable donations. Ask
for identification, and find out how the funds will be
used. If you aren't satisfied, don't give. Help a
charitable organization you know and trust instead.
Take a holiday
inventory:
The holidays are a good time to update - or create -
your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of
items, and list descriptions and serial numbers.
If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory
can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims
easier to file.
Make sure things like TVs, VCRs, stereo equipment,
cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silver,
computers, home office equipment and power tools are on
the list. Remember to check it twice!
Last, but not least, don't let holiday stress get the
best of your holiday spirit. Make time to get together
with family, friends and neighbors.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
|
