Holiday Safety Tips

This list is borrowed from the Baltimore County Sheriff's Dept's website in Maryland. These are excellent tips to share with family and friends so that everyone is safe this holiday season.

http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/media/holiday_crimeprev.html

other great links for staying safe this holiday season are:

From the Elk Grove Police Dept. a handy little foldout:

http://www.elkgrovepd.org/prevention/printables/holiday.pdf

From the Los Angeles PD:

http://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/1376

“Be Aware,” Says Police Chief Johnson

Shopping takes up a lot of time during the holidays. Shoppers are so busy thinking about all the things that need to be done, they fail to be aware of their surroundings. It can also make people careless when they are out and about. This makes them easy pickings for purse snatchers and street robbers.

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” says Chief Jim Johnson. He says that people are not reading their environment and in too much of a hurry to add safety to their list of things to do. He says to scan your immediate area. Don’t assume that because there are people around you are safe and secure.

The Chief advises everyone, “Focus on your personal safety and the safety of those with you. Every good police officer is trained to read the environment. Likewise, you should ask yourself questions when you are out and about.”

When you are in a parking lot or garage, be alert to someone who appears to be standing around for no good reason. He or she might be waiting for someone or that person could be an opportunist waiting to grab your shopping bags or your purse.

Here are some things to think about when shopping:

• Always park in well-lit areas and park close to the entrance of the store or mall.
• Don’t talk on a cell phone when walking to and from your vehicle. Keep your full attention on your surroundings.
• Don’t electronically unlock your vehicle until you are within door opening distance. This helps stop a thief from getting into the car and waiting to strike when you least expect it.
• If you are ready to leave the mall and feel uneasy about entering the parking lot or garage by yourself, stay in the mall and ask for a security escort.
• Do not open your car door to anyone in a parking lot or garage. If you believe you are in danger, call 911 immediately.

Enjoy The Holiday Bustle - But Be Aware

The end-of-year holiday season - with all its hustle and bustle - is fast approaching. With all the distractions and activity, we sometimes forget the basics about safety on the streets and at home. Opportunity is the criminal's key to crime. By staying alert and following a few crime prevention tips, you can ensure a holiday season that is happy and safe. Crime prevention involves being aware of our surroundings and potential areas of danger, thereby closing the criminal's window of opportunity.

Busy shoppers can be targeted for purse snatching and other forms of street robbery. The malls are full of folks with money to spend. As we speed along, focused on getting through our treasure hunt, a criminal can size up a potential victim.

• Outside of the mall, stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets, walkways and parking areas for both walking and parking.
• Stay off the cell phone as you walk through parking lots and streets. It is a distraction that makes you vulnerable to robbers, and your cell phone itself is a tempting target.
• Don't flash large amounts of cash or offer tempting targets for theft such as expensive jewelry or clothing.
• Carry a purse or shoulder bag close to your body, not dangling by straps. Put a wallet in an inside pocket of your coat or front pants pocket.
• Don't fumble for house or car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to use when you reach the door.

Here are some additional tips regarding the car or house you've left behind while on your travels.

• ALWAYS lock your car and residence, even if you are away for only a few moments.
• Do NOT leave valuables - gifts, cell phones, purse or clothing - in open view in your car. Take valuables with you, lock them in your trunk, or cover them in an unobtrusive way. 
• Leave lights turned on both inside and outside your residence after dark. Criminals don't like bright places.
• If you will be away from home for several days, make arrangements for someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. An overstuffed mailbox is a sure sign that no one is home, and burglars are tempted to check those envelopes for holiday gifts.

'Tis The Season: Beware Of Purse Snatchers

The holidays are swiftly approaching. The stores are putting up decorations, and purse snatchers are practicing their skills. The Baltimore County Police Department wants everyone to be aware that thieves look forward to holidays as much as everyone else - maybe more so! The department asks women to beware of purse snatchers; women carrying pocketbooks are easy prey. The thieves know that during the holidays, shoppers are distracted and are not as careful as they should be when out. 

Here are some things that can be done to thwart the would-be thief.

• Keep your purse close to your body.
• If the pocketbook has long straps, shorten them.
• If possible, avoid carrying a large purse when shopping.  A fanny pack is compact and more difficult for a thief to grab and run.
• Carry only the credit cards you intend to use, leave the others behind.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or check cards.
• Use ATMs wisely. Have the card ready before approaching the machine, and use ATMs in high traffic areas.
• Be aware of the environment. Don't walk or park in poorly lit areas. Don't take shortcuts through wooded areas. Don't be distracted by a cell phone conversation.
• Have car keys ready before leaving the office, store or mall.
• If you believe someone is following you, cross the street, switch directions, walk into a store or restaurant. If you are really scared, yell. Don't be embarrassed. Your safety is more important.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

A Holiday Shopping Reminder

As you do your holiday shopping, don't give a thief an opportunity.

Do NOT leave valuables in open view in your car. Put them in the trunk, or take them along with you. This is the time of the year when thieves do their own form of "window shopping." They look in parked cars for gifts and other merchandise, and they will break through car windows to get at such valuables.

It takes only a few seconds for a criminal to break into your car. So remember: when you leave your car, leave it empty.

Do Your Homework Before Donating To Charity

The holiday season is in full swing. Shoppers are out and about and the signs of the season are everywhere. The familiar red kettle and bell ringers are on street corners and in front of various stores. Charitable organizations are in need of funding to keep programs for the needy operating as the country struggles financially.

For example, the American Red Cross of Central Maryland solicits contributions via e-mail. However, the solicitation is only sent to those companies or individuals who are on the books as donors. The groups have also given permission to the ARC-Central MD to contact them in this way. This is a good use of today’s technology, but it can also open the door to criminal activity. These conveniences can bring pitfalls and fraud. Be wary of any organization that sends unsolicited e-mail asking for donations.

Do your homework when you donate to any charity. Chief Johnson says, “Give to organizations that have a history of service and commitment to the community.”

If you still have doubts about a group, there are other ways to access information on charitable organizations. Donors can check the groups at http://www2.guidestar.org/

It is wonderful to be generous, but think before you contribute your hard earned money.

Extend The Life Of Your Holiday Gifts: Get Them Engraved

Why not set aside some time right after the holidays to get your bike and gifts engraved with your ID number or driver's license number. Never use your social security number.

Easy-to-use engraving equipment and instructions are available free of charge to Baltimore County residents at County police stations, public library branches, and through many Citizens on Patrol chapters.

With the tool, you can engrave a driver's license number or Maryland ID number on your property - and that can pay dividends in the future. If the item is stolen, and later recovered by police, the engraved number will allow investigators to get that property back to you.

The engraved number might even deter a thief from taking your property in the first place, since the ID number makes it harder for criminals to dispose of valuables through underworld channels.

You don't need to limit engraving to your holiday gifts. You can engrave all of your precious possessions so they will be with you for many years to come.