Tips for staying safe this holiday season and beyond

As many of us know, property crime and robberies tend to go up during the holiday season (as I like to say...criminals need to shop too)

This is kind of long, but it's some helpful (mostly common sense) tips to make sure that you and your loved ones stay safe this holiday season

 

Holiday Safety


1) Shop with a friend or family member.
2) Do not leave valuable items in plain view of windows (either in your home or cars).
3) Do not “Flash” cash, credit cards or your wallet contents when making purchases. Know what you are going to pay with before you go to the counter.
4) Leave a radio or TV on when you leave the house.
5) Put lights on alternating timers when you leave home and do not disconnect them when you are home.
6) Cut all bushes and trees back from around windows and doors to avoid hiding spots and shadows.
7) Do not leave work or stores alone. Walk with friends, family or ask security or store personnel to escort you to your car.
8) If you arrive home and find an open window or door, or see a suspicious person or vehicle, call 911 from somewhere other than your house.
9) Do not give personal information out over the phone. Be aware of scams.
10) Do not stop delivery of your mail and newspaper when you travel. Have a neighbor or fellow crime watch member collect these for you.
11) When shopping, park in well lighted locations.
12) When you travel – prepare. Be familiar with the route you will travel and your destination. Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Share your travel itinerary with someone you trust.
13) Be alert at all times!! Be aware of who is walking near you or if someone approaches you for help do not offer them a ride or let them inside your home

 

Personal Safety


1. Report all suspicious activity, persons and cars to the police immediately. Nothing is too small to be reported.
2. Do not open your door to anyone you do not know.
3. Put your address (numerical #s) on your mailbox or at the street for emergency personnel.
4. Do not leave valuable items in plain view of windows (either in your home or cars).
5. Do not “Flash” cash, credit cards or your wallet contents when making purchases. Know what you are going to pay with before you go to the counter.
6. Leave a radio or TV on when you leave the house.
7. Put lights on alternating timers when you leave home and do not disconnect them when you are home.
8. Cut all bushes and trees back from around windows and doors to avoid hiding spots and shadows.
9. Outside floodlights should be left on from dusk to dawn. REMOVE motion detectors and put in timers.
10. If you arrive home and find an open window or door, or see a suspicious person or vehicle, call 911 from a neighbor’s phone. Don’t go inside!
11. Do not give personal information out over the phone. Be aware of scams.
12. Do not stop Delivery of your mail and newspaper when you travel.
13. Always park in well-lighted locations and go shopping with a friend.
14. Be alert at all times!! Be aware of who is watching you. Get to know your neighbors. Get involved in a neighborhood watch.

 

Burglary Prevention


1. Inside and outside lights should be on timers or photocells (get rid of motion detectors) and do not disconnect them when you are home.
2. Do not leave valuable items in plain view of windows and doors.
3. Do not hide your valuables in obvious places in your home.
4. Use deadbolt locks and close your garage doors.
5. Leave a radio or TV on when you leave the house.
6. Cut all bushes and trees back from around windows and doors to avoid hiding spots and shadows.
7. Talk with your neighbors when you are to be away and ask them to check on your home and to leave a car in the driveway periodically.
8. If you arrive home and find an open window or door, or see a suspicious person or vehicle, call 911 from somewhere other than your house.
9. Do not stop delivery of your mail and newspaper when you travel. Have a neighbor or fellow crime watch member collect these for you.
10. When you buy electronics don’t leave the empty boxes at the street. Cut the boxes up and place them inside the dumpster/recycle.
11. Make sure that your alarm works properly and you know how to use it.
12. Be alert at all times!! Report all suspicious activity.

 

Armed Robbery Prevention

Before a robbery:

Teach and Practice, Practice and Teach (Train to be alert to your surroundings, to be a good witnesses and an involved citizen)

Evidence Collection Equipment (Install Cameras, Smooth surfaces and Height Tape)

Have Policy and Procedures that will help protect you(Closing, Money handling, passive, hiring and firing)


During a robbery:
Assure the Criminal that you will give them what they want
Announce your actions and movements to the robber
Have a plan
Be good witness and be passive
Survive


7 Steps After a robbery:
1. Lock the doors
2. Sound the alarm/911
3. Verify all employees are safe
4. Preserve the crime scene
5. Ask customers to stay
6. Fill out suspect ID sheet
7. Pat yourself on the back-you survived


Reporting a robbery that has occurred:
Give your location
Stay calm
Be specific(where, what, who, give details)
Stay on the phone


Remember that:
You may be telling us something that we are not aware of or you may be giving us the information that we need to investigate and possibly make an arrest. Suspicious Activity is an event taking place out of the ordinary which could lead to a crime or be a crime in progress.


Protective Measures to prevent robbery:
Limit access to work areas
Have alternate staff exits
Know how to report problems
Report threatening and suspicious activity to police
Electronic access control.
Silent alarms.
Metal detectors.
Video cameras.
Have Security Surveys done
Improve Lighting and Visibility



Summary
Have the police became familiar with your facility.
Practice good crime prevention.
Be “law enforcement friendly”.
Utilize local associations to keep abreast of current trends.

 

Photocells/timers keep the place lit up all night, plus motion sensors can be beaten by people up to no good

The mail and paper keeps someone coming by your house every day, preferably at different times to keep an eye on the place