-- excerpted from Tracy Crime Prevention Officer
Irene Rose
With the holiday season upon us, now is a good time to remind people to take a few extra steps to make sure your Christmas isn't spoiled by criminals.
Criminals take the opportunities afforded them by the extra shopping we do, the hustle and bustle of town centers as we rush around, and the value of the goods we buy as presents and store in our homes until the Big Day. We might also be more trusting and generous this time of year when requests for charity are made, giving the unscrupulous a chance to collect for their own "causes."
So what can we do?
Here are some crime prevention tips and advice applied to Christmas time:
Out Shopping
When the shops are crowded, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you. Shop during less busy times if you can. Stay alert, and be extra careful with your wallet or purse. Keep them close to your body, in a front pocket (if you can), and don't carry too much cash. This also applies when you're out on crowded buses, BART, or trains.
If you have too many bags to carry around, you might not be as aware of anyone trying to steal from you. Make smaller shopping trips.
If you travel by car, be sure to park in well lit areas. Lock all doors and windows, and don't leave presents in view. Try not to return to your care to leave purchases in your trunk to continue shopping. Thieves often watch parking lots for just such a chance. Arrange to pick up heavy items from stores when you've finished all your shopping.
Keep you checkbook and your check card separately.
Out on the Town
With office parties and general holiday celebrations, bars, restaurants, and other venues are often crowded. Again, be wary of pickpockets. Don't leave bags or your purse over the back of your chair unattended. Stay alert. Be sure you've made arrangements on how to get home. Avoid any potential disturbances in the street, and stay with friends when you can. Walk in well-lit areas. Make sure someone knows where you're going and when you'll be home.
Keep your cell phone charged, especially in cold weather which can drain batteries quicker. And don't drink too much. Intoxicated people are judgement-impaired and make easy targets for thieves and those who would wish to cause you harm.
At Home
Having bought all those wonderful presents, don't make it easy for someone to steal them from your home. Keep them out of sight until you plan to open them. If you "hide" larger items like bicycles in a shed or garage, be sure they care secure.
Video tape the things in your home. Take inventory. Write down serial numbers. Mark items with an identifying number like your driver's license number (never your Social Security number) or your name. Check to be sure you have adequate insurance on your property.
Collapse and dispose of packaging carefully. Empty boxes left outside advertise all the new stuff you have inside.
If you leave the house, leave a few lights on (get a timer), or turn on the TV so it looks like someone's home. Close the curtains and blinds, even if you want the neighbors to see all your great decorations and your tree. As a fire precaution, turn off the inside Christmas lights (and the tree lights) while you're out.
If you're gone for a while, ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home. Take a plate of homemade cookies as a thank you. Don't forget to cancel newspapers and your mail delivery, or have that neighbor take your mail into the house or keep it for you until you get back.
Finally, be wary of strangers knocking at the door. Not everyone wants to sing you a Christmas carol. Check for uniformed delivery people. Ask for identification if you suspect someone isn't who they say they are. If someone asks for a charitable contribution, ask if you can send it in or route it from your bank rather than writing them a check.
Be safe and careful this holiday season. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
