Holiday Safety Tips
The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also
a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft
and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared
or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends
and neighbors.
- Avoid driving alone or at night.
- Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out
of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
- If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
- Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars
with tinted windows.
- Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice
of where you parked.
- Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with
children inside.
- Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.
This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something
in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
- Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
- Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not
put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
- When approaching and leaving your vehicle be aware of your
surroundings.
- Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people
in the area.
- Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your
shopping location.
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- If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located
inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw
only
the amount
of cash you need.
- Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who
is standing near you.
- Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
Shopping
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop
at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Dress casually and comfortably.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
- Always carry your Michigan Driver License or Identification
Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you
expect
to use.
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things,
stay alert to your surroundings.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
- 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.
- Be extra careful if you do 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.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to
have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this
time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting
you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
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- If possible, leave small children at home with
a trusted babysitter.
- Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in
case your child is separated from you.
- Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
- Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
- Children should never be allowed to go to 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 police officers or mall security. Teach children
to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.
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- 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 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 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.
- Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.
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- The goal of Operation Identification is to deter property-related
crime and to assist the Police in their efforts to find
and return stolen or lost property to its rightful owner. Remember
the following:
- Mark gifts with your Driver License or Identification Card
number.
- Do not use your Social Security Number.
- For items that cannot be marked with an engraver, photograph
or videotape the items.
Strangers at Your Door
- Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering
gifts.
- 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.
- Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
- Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
- Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who
will not drink at all.
- 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.
- Never drink and drive.
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Safety Tools...
Sheriff of Wayne County
1231 St. Antoine
Detroit, MI 48226
Ph: (313) 224-2222
Fx: (313) 224-2367