Holiday Safety at home and away

Holiday Crime Prevention

At Home

Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes;

• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch
your house and pick up your newspapers and mail;

• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer;

• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied;

• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of
your home;

• When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doorways 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 ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed
or damaged wiring can cause a fire

• Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green; and

• Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.

_Prevention

It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime.
The people at Hudson Valley Locksmith want everyone to have a secure and happy
holiday season by taking a minute from the rush to read and apply the following Holiday
crime prevention measures. The holiday season is always a special time of year.

Attending A Party

• Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages;

• Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the
absorption of alcohol into your system;

• Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body;

• Know your safe limit; and

• Never drink and drive.

Driving

• Be cautious when driving alone at night.

• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car;

• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area;

              • Do not park next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows; and

            • Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
              A car can be stolen in a few seconds;

              • Do not leave packages on the seat of your car. This creates an unnecessary
                 temptation for thieves; and When approaching and leaving your vehicle,
                 be aware of your surroundings.

               Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people standing by.
                 Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

Shopping

• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
Minimize shopping after dark or when alone. Take a friend or family member with you;

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card
when possible;

• If you must use an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) choose an ATM that is located inside
a police station, mall, grocery store or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of
cash you need;

• Shield the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you in an attempt to view your
transaction or obtain your PIN. Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location;

• Keep cash in your front pocket;

• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused;

• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home so you can report
stolen or lost cards by their number;

• Be extra careful if you carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in
crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit; and

• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of
motion to avoid mishaps.

Dress

• Dress casually and comfortably;

• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry; and

• Carry your wallet in your front pocket and your purse securely around your shoulder. Always
carry your California Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash,
debit card, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.

Strangers At Your Door

• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts; and
• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the
   holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no
   charity is involved. Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be
   used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate. Donate to a recognized charitable organization.

Children

Teach children to stay close to you at all times. Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom;

• Children should never be allowed to go to the parking lot or the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car;

Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to a police officer or mall security only; and
• Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

The information contained is meant to contribute to the safety and security of people during the holiday season.
We can never be too careful, prepared or aware. Share this information with family, friends and neighbors. Schedule
family discussions to ensure that they understand crime prevention and personal safety measures, which will assist
your family in having a safe holiday season. Hudson Valley Locksmith wants everyone to have a safe, happy and
peaceful holiday season.