Holiday Safety reminders

[Guest guest]

 

Here are the latest crime stats for your area and some Holiday Safety

reminders.

 

Holiday Safety

This holiday

season, don’t let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars,

muggers, and pickpockets a chance to do their dirty work. Criminals love the

holidays as much as everyone else because it’s an opportune time for them

to commit a crime!

 

Take a holiday

inventory!

The holidays are a good time to

update – or create – your home inventory. Take photos or make

videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers making sure to

store the information in a secure place. If your home is burglarized, having a

detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make crime reporting and

insurance claims easier to file. Make sure things like TV’s, VCRs, stereo

equipment, cameras, sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office

equipment, and power tools are on the list.

Use OPERATION I.D.

Operation I.D. is a simple program that

deters burglary and theft, as well as assists law enforcement in the event your

property is stolen. You simply engrave your Driver's license number on your

property using the following format.

YOUR STATE

Abrev. (state

driver's license #) D.L.

 

Are you a Snowbird?

Even if you are not one of the many

who head for warmer climates during the winter months, chances are you have a

neighbor who is. Leaving your home unattended for an extended period of

time poses a risk of criminal activity in and around your property. The

best rule of thumb here is to make your home looked lived in. Put

exterior lighting on dusk-to-dawn sensors. Install timers on key interior

lights to replicate your normal lighting behavior. Stop mail and paper

delivery. Have a neighbor pick up any unforeseen deliveries that happen

to show up on your doorstep. You may also consider giving a relative or

trusted neighbor a key, and have them open and close drapes. Most

importantly, arrange to have snow removed from your driveway, sidewalks, and

porch. Nothing signifies your extended absence better than undisturbed

snow on your property when it has not snowed for several days. At a

minimum, have neighbors drive up your driveway and walk up to your front door

to make your home looked lived in.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people could change the

world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead