The Abingdon Police Department has
put together a list of things you can do around the house to prevent a break-in
during the holidays. By practicing the following safety tips, you can keep
yourself and your home safe.
§ During
the holidays, the potential for thefts and robberies increases because of the
number of distractions created with the holiday shopping season. With this in mind, you should practice the
following holiday safety tips:
§ Contact
the police immediately, by dialing 9-1-1, if you suspect a crime is about to
occur or if you suspect illegal activity is taking place. Remember: See something, say something!
When
shopping:
§ Do
not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave packages in your car,
put them in the trunk, and keep your receipts with you.
§ Do
not leave electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, lap top computers, GPS
devices, and digital cameras in plain view.
When exiting your vehicle take these items with you or lock them in your
trunk.
§ Carry
your valuables wisely. Do not keep cash in your wallet. Instead, keep it in a
front or inside pocket; and only carry the credit cards that you know you will
need.
§ Avoid
overloading yourself with bags and packages. Have your keys in your hand ready
to use when you leave the store. If you
see a suspicious person or group around your car, use your remote to activate
the car alarm.
§ Try
to complete all shopping before dark. If
you must shop after dark, use the buddy system and whenever possible, park and
walk in well-lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings, especially the people
around you.
§ Carry
your purse close to you, with the opening or flap towards your body. Never leave
a purse unattended in a shopping cart.
§ Do
not keep a wallet, credit cards or cash in a backpack. If you are carrying a
backpack in a crowd, consider carrying the backpack in front of you.
At
Home:
§ Protect
your credit card numbers and other personal information. Carefully dispose of
receipts that have a credit card number on them. Never provide credit card
information in response to unsolicited calls or emails.
§ Keep
a record of your credit card numbers so you will have your numbers available if
they are stolen or lost.
§ Don't
announce your new high-dollar purchases after the holidays. Break down the
boxes of TVs, computers, etc. and turn them inside out before putting them in
the trash.
§ If
you are traveling for the holidays, make your home look "lived in".
Have a friend or neighbor collect your mail and newspapers, or have your
service suspended while you are away. Use timers to turn interior lights off
and on.
§ Trim
back any bushes or trees that block visibility through your house. Check all of
the entryways into your home (windows and doors) to make sure that they are
secured. Secure any sliding glass doors with a lock and a dowel in the door
track.
§ If
your home is equipped with an alarm system, make sure that you and your family
are using it. Alarm systems and alarm advertisements are a good crime prevention
method.
§ If
leaving your home for several hours, find ways to make your house look
occupied. Placing interior and exterior
lights on timers or leaving on a radio or T.V. may be a quick deterrent.
§ Exterior
holiday lights do more than make your house look festive; they also light up
the areas around windows and doors where thieves may hide.
§ Retain
the receipts for all major purchases in a safe place. If possible, record the
serial number of the property on the corresponding receipt or in another list
for safekeeping. In the event that these items do get stolen, this record will
maintain proof of the purchase and aid police in tracking down the stolen item.
§ Be
cautious about solicitors, especially during this time of year. A stop at your
doorway may provide them the opportunity to look inside of your house for
valuable items and map the layout for a later return.
§ If
ordering items to be delivered to the house, ask that they be delivered at time
when you will be home and able to accept the package. Large packages left on
doorsteps are susceptible to opportunistic burglars passing through the
neighborhood.
§ Many
people love to display a brightly-lit Christmas tree with presents around the
skirt. If visible through a window or doorway, this can be tempting for
burglars scouting the neighborhood. Reconsider hiding the presents in a secure
place and placing them under the tree at the last minute.
If
you are traveling for the holidays:
§ Don't
advertise any trips away from your home or travel plans on online social
networking sites. Broadcasting your absences let people know that your house is
unoccupied and vulnerable.
§ If
you are traveling for the holidays, consider find a trusted neighbor to protect
your home in your absence. Have all mail and newspapers collected or have your
service suspended. Provide a key to your home to the trusted neighbor so that
they can make your house look occupied, either by turning on lights, turning on
the radio, or moving a car in the driveway. Notify your local police department
that you will be away for an extended time period and provide the information
for the neighbor who will be watching your home.
§ If
leaving a dog at home for the holidays, consider having a trusted neighbor or
friend pet sit at the house instead of using a kennel. Dogs of all sizes can be
a deterrent to burglars.
Please contact the police
immediately, by dialing 9-1-1, if you suspect a crime is about to occur or if
you suspect illegal activity is taking place.
We
wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
