Holiday Safety Tips from KPD
Post date: Dec 15, 2012 8:18:05 PM
Shopping
Stay ALERT! Be aware of your surroundings and people around you. Trust your instincts; if you feel uncomfortable, get away.
Shop with a friend – there is safety in numbers.
Do not leave the store alone. Walk with friends, other shoppers, or security.
Keep your cell phone on your person.
Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return.
Don’t overburden yourself with packages while shopping.
Only make online purchases from trusted, secure websites. Look for “https” in the web address to verify security.
Guard your purse or wallet
Protect your purse or wallet and clean out any unnecessary items before leaving home.
Don’t carry large amounts of cash or extra credit cards. Carry only those cards that you will need to use that day. Keep a master list of all cards so if your wallet is stolen, they can be reported promptly to the appropriate banking facility.
Never leave your purse, wallet or cell phone unattended in a public place.
If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body. Place the strap over your shoulder, never around you neck.
DRIVING
Keep doors locked while driving.
Do not leave your car unattended with children inside or while it is running.
Keep your car in good mechanical condition with plenty of fuel in the tank.
If you have car trouble, be wary of strangers offering to help. Stay in your locked car and call for help.
Be sure of the route you will be taking to your destination. Know alternates.
Be patient! Allow yourself extra travel time due to weather conditions and/or heavy holiday traffic.
Buckle up! Children and adult passengers, too.
Don’t drink and drive!
PARKING LOTS
Park in a well-lit area.
Remember to lock your vehicle!!
A thief is looking for easy targets & the more you can do to deter them from choosing your
car, the better.
Minimize the number of valuables left in your vehicle. Keep valuables, electronics (including cell phones and DVD players), gifts and other “theft attractors” out of sight.
Have your keys out and ready when you return to your vehicle.
Lock purse and other valuables in your trunk PRIOR to arriving at the shopping center, mall, or other parking area.
CHILDREN
Role-play with children about what they should do in the event you are separated.
Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help if separated or lost.
Teach children to stay close to you at all times. Avoid unaccompanied trips to restrooms,
etc.
Teach your child their name, address, and phone number to give to a police officer or mall security officer only.
STRANGERS AT YOUR DOOR
Use caution anytime there is a stranger at your door.
Be suspicious of unexpected sales calls or deliveries. Ask for identification.
Be aware of scams that criminals commit to take advantage of people's generosity during the holidays.
Investigate charities before making donations. Ask how the funds will be used.
ATTENDING A PARTY
Use the “buddy system” when attending parties.
Consume food before you drink alcohol to slow the absorption rate.
Never leave food or drinks unattended.
Only time can rid the body of alcohol – not coffee, cold showers, etc.
Drink responsibly. Arrange for a trusted designated driver.
AT HOME
Make sure all doors & windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.) and use them!
Don’t hide spare keys in mailboxes and planters, or under doormats.
Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or that are activated by sensors.
Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed so they do not conceal doors and windows. Remember, overgrown foliage can provide a hiding place for criminals.
Place gifts where they can’t be seen from the outside.
Consider safe deposit boxes for coin and stamp collections, seldom worn jewelry, stock and bonds, etc.
Be sure to mail cards, checks or gift certificates from the Post Office or a blue US Postal Service collection box.
Lock your vehicle and remove all the valuables. Yes, even in your driveway.
Leaving for the holidays
Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or Neighborhood Watch member to watch your home.
Use timers for lights and radios while you’re away.
Remember to make arrangements for mail and newspapers.
After the holidays
Don’t advertise expensive toys, electronics, or other gifts received by the boxes left for garbage collections. Compress large boxes and place them in black garbage bags for pick-up.
Add new items to your home inventory. Take photos or video of all items of value in your home and list each item’s make, model, serial number or other information.
Engrave new items to help identify them in the event they are stolen.
For more information, please call:
Knoxville Police Department: (865) 215-7000
Safety Education Unit: (865) 215-1325
Click below if you would like to download and print these safety tips.