At this time of year, during the holiday season, crime takes an upward swing. With all the commotion this season brings we sometimes forget that at any time we can become victims. It usually happens when we least expect it. The following are some tips that may help keep your holiday season safe and secure. Remember them, they can be useful all year round!

Please share these tips with loved ones, co-workers, and others as they go about their busy days.

Following are some tips to help make the holidays safe and secure for you and your family. Crime escalates each year from November and through the new year. You are at risk whether shopping at a mall, stopping at an ATM, walking through a parking lot, or driving a vehicle. Remember that attackers seek opportunity, anonymity and isolation. So, "keep your antennas up" and always be aware of what is going on around you.

PERSONAL & PROPERTY SECURITY

While shopping:

• Keep gifts and valuables out of sight in your car.
• At night park in a lighted area with steady traffic.
• If alone, try to walk near other people.
• Make sure your children know to go to a store employee or security officer if lost.
• When approaching your vehicle, have car keys in hand.
• Look under your vehicle and in the back seat before entering.
• Lock doors immediately after entering; don't park next to vans, especially with side, double doors.
• Shop with a friend, especially at night.

In the mall: All types of criminals work the malls - car thieves, pick-pockets, muggers - so protect yourself & your family.

• Carry only receipts and small change in your purse.
• Put cash and credit cards in your wallet and secure in an inside pocket of your coat.
• Don't display cash or jewelry.
• If you take a break in a restaurant or restroom, don't place your purse on the floor - keep the strap wrapped around your arm (also watch your shopping bags).
• Never let your child use a public restroom alone.
• Try to make your most expensive purchases last; this will reduce your exposure to costly losses.

Credit card precautions:

• Make sure your card is used only for one transaction, watch transactions carefully.
• Take your charge carbons with you and tear them up.
• Bever give out information about your credit card to any phone solicitor.
• Immediately report the theft or loss of credit cards.

When driving around town:

• Keep your vehicle doors locked at all times, car-jackers often target vehicles at stop signs/ traffic lights and gain access through unlocked doors.
• Drive in the center lane to make it harder for would-be car-jackers to approach.
• At intersections, leave room between vehicles for an escape.
• Don't stop to help someone with car trouble, drive to a phone, or use your cell phone to summon police.
• Don't stop for flashing headlights, police use red or blue lights.
• If your car breaks down, stay inside until police or a road service arrives.
• If a car blocks your way, blast the horn, but stay in your car.
• If someone motions that your car has a problem or your vehicle is "bumped," don't stop, stay in your car, ensure doors are locked, and drive someplace where people are around to exchange information, like a service station or a convenience store. State law requires you to exchange information with the other driver, but it doesn't say where
• If you own a cell phone assure it is fully charged at all times and readily available for use. Program important numbers for speed dialing - i.e. police, relatives, etc.

When parking:

• Park in well lit areas where the car is clearly in view, and with the > front end facing the street (or traffic area) so anyone tampering with it can be seen.
• Turn wheels toward the curb, making it more difficult for your car to be towed.

At ATM machines:

• If possible, use an ATM inside a busy establishment, especially at night.
• Before using an outside ATM, make sure no one is lurking around the area..."keep your antennas up."
• Avoid using ATMs late at night, most ATM crimes occur after normal banking hours.
• Use only well lit, secure ATM locations.
• Have someone accompany you, especially at night.
• Make sure you block the view of others nearby when you enter your personal identification number (PIN).
• After the transaction be sure to remove your card from the ATM, take receipts with you, and quickly place your card and money in your pocket.

Traveling out of town:

• Leave a house key with a neighbor.
• Make your home look occupied; stop newspaper and mail delivery, use auto timers to turn lights and radio or TV on/off, use a non-specific message on your phone recorder, and turn your telephone ringer down to lowest level.
• Plan your route in advance and choose well traveled roads.
• Tell someone where you are going, the route you are taking, and your expected times of departure and arrival.
• Become aware of the latest weather reports for your local area, the route you will be traveling, and your destination.

In a hotel/motel:

• Use all locking devices on your door.
• Don't answer a knock on the door (or open the door) without verifying who is there.- Ensure all sliding glass doors, windows, and any connecting room doors are locked.
• Don't display room keys in public or leave them where someone can steal them.
• When returning to your room late at night, us the hotel main entrance.
• Report all suspicious activity to management.
• Don't draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
• Place all valuables in a hotel/motel safe deposit box.

Identify Theft is fast becoming the preferred method of theft of goods, services, and cash. The following are some easy tips to help in preventing your identity from being taken and used for devious purposes.

Treat Your Personal Information Like Money - It's Worth It

• Manage your personal information wisely. Protect information such as your home address, home telephone number, Social Security number, bank and credit card account numbers, and PIN numbers as if they are worth money-because they are.
• Don't Carry Your Social Security Card In Your Wallet. t's an open invitation to an identity thief. Check your health plan and other cards. They may have your Social Security number on them.
• Carry only the identifying information that you need.

Tear Up Or Shred Papers

• Tear up or shred papers with personal information before you throw them away.
• Tear up credit card offers and "convenience checks" that you don't use.
• Don't Give Out Personal Information On The Phone
• Don't give out your personal information on the phone, unless you made the call or know the caller. The same goes for mail.
• Any personal information you put on the Internet may be especially vulnerable.

Ask How Your Information Will Be Used.

• Before you give any personal information to a business, ask how it will be used.
• A sk if the business will share your information with others.
• Ask if you can have your personal information kept confidential.

Check Your Bills

• Check your credit card bills carefully each month. Look for unauthorized charges and report any to your card issuer immediately.
• Call if bills don't arrive on time. It may mean that someone has changed the address or other information in your account so that you will not learn about fraudulent charges

Check Your Credit Reports

• Get copies of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus at least once a year. Check for changed addresses or fraudulent account information.

GENERAL SAFETY

• Emergency Information: Carry emergency phone numbers to include your doctor, any unique medical history, and insurance information.
• If lost: If you get lost, don't be obvious.
• IIf followed: If you think you're being followed, do an about-face or duck into a store.
• If stopped: If someone stops you, act as if someone is about to join you.
• Whistles for children: Give whistles to your children to be used if the family gets separated.
• Driving: Don't drink and drive; buckle up. Keep your gas tank full, carry a flashlight, fire extinguisher, and an emergency/safety travel kit in your vehicle.
• At home: Check smoke detectors; have at least one detector in every sleeping area; have a working fire extinguisher and know it's location; keep live Christmas trees watered; turn off holiday lights when you leave a room.
• Winter weather: Have a working flashlight - avoid using candles if power fails.

Here's wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season.
Please stay alert and be careful!

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