The Holiday Season is upon us. The Crime Prevention Specialist for the City of Laguna Niguel Published this insightful commentary for the Community and for neighborhood watch captains which we felt was quite appropriate as we are at the dawn of the Holiday Season:
Holiday Season Crime Prevention Tips
By
Kimberly Sawyer, Crime Prevention Specialist, OCSD
The
holiday shopping season is a peak time for crimes such as home and vehicle
burglaries, and thefts. Residents need to be alert, aware, and prepared in
order to reduce the risk of becoming a crime victim at home, on the road, and
while shopping. Crooks know that homes become mini-goldmines as families begin
to store holiday gifts. The items most desired by burglars and thieves are also
those most desired by intended gift recipients. Small electronics such as
phones, tablets, laptops, digital music players, game consoles and various
jewelry items will be stored in most homes in December.
Residents
can better protect their homes by locking doors and windows at all times, and by
not displaying gifts and other valuables where they can be seen from a window
or a doorway. Store small electronics and jewelry in a safe or in a place that
is not conspicuous.
When not
at home, always activate your alarm and turn on a radio or television so the house
looks occupied. If you go out of town for the holiday, use an automatic timer
for your lights and ask a neighbor or trusted friend to watch your house, pick
up the mail and newspapers and park their car in your driveway from time to
time.
After the
gifts are opened, try not to advertise your new electronics and/or other new valuables
by putting empty product boxes out on the curb for the garbage collectors. Break
the boxes down and fold/cut them so they could fit in a closed trash container.
While shopping, stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. Make
sure you have your checkbook, wallet, identification card and credit cards
secured after every transaction. Sometimes people get so excited about a purchase,
they forget to collect these items from the register counter. If you notice any
item missing, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to stop any
account activity, then contact the police department.
Coordinate
shopping trips with a friend if you plan to be out late. Never park your car in
an unlit area, no matter how convenient it is. Crooks know that cars parked in
shopping centers are likely to contain valuables. Lock your car doors and
windows even if you are only gone for a few minutes and NEVER leave shopping
bags, purses, backpacks, or any items of value visible through your car
windows. Crooks usually walk from car to car in parking lots, looking for any
visible valuables. When they see something they want, they will break the window
(they use tools to make that quick and quiet) and take the valuables. Lock item
in the trunk, or keep the items with you as you go from store to store.
Follow the
above tips and help us reduce crime in our community.
Have a safe and joyful
holiday season – from the men and women of the Laguna Niguel Police Services.
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