Holiday Safety Tips

  The holiday season is upon us once again.  With our hectic schedules of work, family and shopping for the holidays we might tend to forget to follow our everyday safety measures.  During this time of the year, the vulnerability to being a victim of a crime increases.  Criminals use this time to prey on unsuspecting individuals as well as homes.  Following a few simple steps should help you and your family stay a little safer this holiday season.

Here are a few simple safety measures to help protect you and your family this year:

* make sure you lock your doors and windows

* don't display gifts in open view of a window or a doorway for criminals to peek at while you are away.

* if purchasing large expensive items, remember to break down the boxes, turn them inside out if possible and if you can, hold off putting them in the recycling for a few weeks.

* don't over burden yourself with shopping bags and park in well lit areas.  Make sure to place your items in your trunk out of sight of suspecting thieves.

* avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you and if possible Debit or Credit Card your purchases at respectable stores.  If carrying cash, carry it in your front pocket to avoid being pick pocketed or having your purse stolen.  If carrying a purse, I like to recommend a cross body small purse, this way you won't be tempted to leave it unguarded in the shopping cart or leave it out of sight.

* if you are lucky to travel someplace warm this holiday season, remember to place your lights on timers and have your mail and newspapers collected by a trusted friend or neighbour.

* arrange with a neighbour or good friend to shovel your driveway and to drive a vehicle in and out of your driveway so it looks like there has been activity at your home.

* arrange with a neighbour to place a bag of garbage and recycling on your pick up days in front of your house so it looks like your house is occupied.

Above all else, use the same safety routine  you do throughout the rest of the year and you should have a safe and happy holiday season this year!  Be vigiliant and report anything you may find suspicious to your local police service. 

Season's Greetings!