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Holiday Safety Tips

It is the Holiday season. Everybody will be shopping; visiting family and friends, and we at the Greenbelt Police Department want you to SAFELY enjoy the upcoming Holidays.

We tend to get distracted during this time of year. It’s very hectic at the malls, and everyone seems to be in a hurry…DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN…Unfortunately, criminals will use your distraction and your haste to take advantage of you and your property. The following are a few safety tips we hope will make your Holiday a safe one:

Shopping:

Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.

Don’t approach your vehicle alone if you see someone you believe to be a suspicious person.

Be aware of con games this time of year (People wanting to share ‘found’ money, selling merchandise out of their vehicles, etc.).

Park in a well-lighted space, lock your door…and don’t make your vehicle a display case for thieves who window shop by walking from car to car looking for merchandise in plain view…PUT YOUR SHOPPING BAGS AND PACKAGES IN THE TRUNK/OUT OF SIGHT.

REMEMBER WHERE YOU PARKED VEHICLE (That means you spend less time in the parking lot looking lost/vulnerable).

Try to avoid placing your purse or presents on top of your vehicle in order to open the door.

When in doubt, ask for an escort from the mall to your vehicle.

Have your keys in your hand (Don’t go ‘fishing’ for your keys).

And, if you go to your vehicle and then back into the store/mall for round 2…MOVE YOUR VEHICLE…As far as a thief is concerned, you have left the area.

If you see something suspicious, don't get out of your vehicle. Park at another location and call the police with your observations.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; bring what you think you’ll need…or pay with a check or credit/debit card if possible (You can get the card/check stopped, they won’t print more money for you).

Be careful with your purses and wallets (wallets in front pocket; purses over your shoulder UNDER your coat).

Try to not overburden yourself with groceries/packages. Not only can it distract you, it may limit your visibility.

There is strength in numbers; shop with one or more people.

Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk if they get separated from you, and to NEVER leave the store/mall.

If you are out for the evening:

Make the house look occupied; turn on lights and a radio or Television.

Lock your doors and windows.

Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from the outside.

If you are traveling:

 Get an automatic timer for your lights.

Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow and park in your driveway or in front of your house.

Have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, even for a day or two, a criminal will know that you are away.

At Home :

When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.

Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.

If you use lights on your Christmas tree make sure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.

Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.

 

Greenbelt Police Department
550 Crescent Road
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Non-Emergency: 301-474-7200
Emergency: 301-474-5454