The holidays are almost here! Soon many of us will be wrapping gifts, drinking egg nog, and watching family favorite movies. Let us all be reminded that we have so many things to be grateful for and to look forward to. With that said, don’t let a criminal put a damper on your holiday spirit. Be mindful that criminals are Scrooges and they are always looking for an opportunity to steal from you or trick you. Teach yourself to practice crime prevention all day, every day.
Don’t advertise that you are going to be away from your home!
Most people enjoy looking at your pictures and hearing about your travels on Facebook and other social media, but information such as that can wait until you come back. Sharing information on social media can lead to criminals going on a shopping spree in your home. Sites such as Facebook can be a trove of data where criminals can find personal information about you. Always be smart about what you share online.
If you plan to be away from your home for an extended time, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home. Close your blinds, lock your doors, turn on some lights, leave on a television or radio and turn the volume on low. Give the impression that you or someone is at home even when you’re not. Maybe put a padlock in the track of your garage door while you are gone.
Only carry what you need.
If you are planning on hitting those Black Friday sales around town, only take the banking cards you plan to use and the money that you intend to spend. Flashing a large amount of cash can grab the attention of the wrong person or people.
Be observant of your surroundings.
If you don’t feel safe, don’t get out of your car or get off the bus. Watch for people who might lurk in parking lots among the cars. If you feel that you are being followed, don’t go home. Stop in at a business and call 9-1-1.
Don’t leave anything in view in your car.
No matter if you are at home or at a place of business, cars have been broken into due to unlocked doors or because items have been left out in view. Purses, wallets, backpacks, electronics, clothing and even pocket change sitting out in plain view will attract criminals. Don’t take chances with your personal property! Hide it, lock it in the trunk or don’t take it at all.
Investigate before you give.
Nothing makes you feel better than giving of your time or money to a worthy cause in need, but criminals will be out trying to solicit your money. Be leery of people coming to your door and investigate any charity that is asking for money or you may end up giving your hard-earned cash to a criminal.
Quick Tips:
• Please breakdown boxes of your big-ticket items (TV’s, laptops or other electronics).
• Anyone coming to your door should have credentials of who they are and who they work for.
• Lock your car doors and hide all valuables.
• Carry your purse strap on your shoulder, and keep your purse close to you with the zipper or main opening closest to your body.
• Carry only the credit or debit cards that you need for shopping or traveling.
• Do not overload yourself with packages when walking to your car, leave a free hand for keys to open your vehicle and to use as a weapon to protect yourself.
• Transfer items into your trunk before driving to another location.
• Don’t stop to help a stranger whose car is broken down. Instead assist them by calling the police for them.
• Be watchful in parking lots and park your car in well-lit areas.
• Don’t answer or call back numbers you don’t recognize. Listen to the message that the caller leaves and use good judgment on whether to call back or not.
• If you ever feel as if you are in danger, drop everything and run to the nearest business or home and call 9-1-1.
There are many more crime prevention tips to help in keeping you safe, but it really comes down to listening to that inner voice. If something doesn’t feel, look or sound right, or if you feel as if you or someone else is in danger, call 9-1-1 or Crime Check at 509-456-2233. Use caution and common sense and practice good crime prevention habits. As always you can reach me via email at DWMorris@SpokaneSheriff.org, or you can call me at 509-477-6044. I wish you a safe and joyous holiday season!
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