Brentwood News Holiday Season Crime Prevention

Brentwood News December Holiday Season Crime Prevention Article

The Holidays are upon us, people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. Please read and follow the below crime prevention tips

At Home
ï¿½ Taken extra time while locking doors and windows before leaving your home.
ï¿½ When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
ï¿½ Indoor and outdoor lights should be on automatic timer
ï¿½ Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied
ï¿½ Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and door of your home
Attending a Party
ï¿½ Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages
ï¿½ Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system
ï¿½ Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from body
ï¿½ Know your safe limit; and
ï¿½ Never drink and drive
Shopping
ï¿½ Even though are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings. Minimize shopping after dark or alone. Take a friend or family member with you.
ï¿½ Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible;
ï¿½ If you must use an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) choose an ATM that is located inside a police station, mall grocery store or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
ï¿½ Shield the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you in an attempt to view your transaction or obtain you PIN number Do not throw away your ATM receipt away at the ATM location;
ï¿½ Keep cash in side your front pocket
ï¿½ Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen , or misused;
ï¿½ Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in safe place at home so you can report stolen or lost cards by their number;
ï¿½ Be extra careful if you carry a wallet or purse.
ï¿½ Criminals are targeting crowded shopping areas, bus stops, and buses.
ï¿½ Avoid over loading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
Driving
ï¿½ Be cautious when driving alone at night
ï¿½ Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car
ï¿½ Do not park next to vans, trucks with camper shells or cars with tinted windows.
ï¿½ If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
ï¿½ Do not leave packages on the seat of your car.
ï¿½ When approaching and leaving your vehicle, beware of your surroundings. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people standing by.