Criminals love the holidays! The holiday hustle and bustle can sometimes cause us to put our guard down. Here are some tips on how to celebrate safely.

If you are traveling

• Get automatic timers for your lights.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home, pick up your mail, shovel your sidewalks, and park in your driveway from time to time.

If you are out for the evening

• Turn on the lights and a television or radio so it looks like someone is home.
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Do not display gifts where they can be seen from the outside.

If you are shopping

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• Park in well-lit areas, and be sure to lock the car, close your windows, and hide all gifts and shopping bags in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Carry your purse close to your body and put your wallet in an inside pocket or front pants pocket.
• Have your keys ready to enter your vehicle when you approach it.  Use your “panic button” on your key fob if you become nervous or think you are being followed.
• Lock your doors immediately upon entering your vehicle.
• Shopping with the kids? Teach your kids to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated, and don’t allow your kids to go off by themselves. 

If you are home

• Always use caution when answering your door for a stranger, but especially during the holiday season!  Criminals often use disguises and pose as couriers during the holiday season. 
• The holidays are the season for giving but donate only to trusted charitable organizations. Always ask for identification; if you do not get a good feeling from the person, refuse to donate.