The holiday season is often a joyous time of giving, sharing and spending time with family and friends. Unfortunately, this time of year is also shared with a particularly high crime rate.

Home Safety

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when leaving home, even for a few minutes.
• Do not display holiday gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway.
• Store gifts away before leaving for a holiday trip.
• Make sure burglar alarms are in working order and contact information is up to date. Test smoke detectors.
• Use only fire resistant ornaments on your holiday tree and make sure electric lights are in good working order with no frayed wires.
• Do not leave holiday lighting on overnight and consider using timers.
• Keep all outdoor security lighting on from dusk to dawn everyday.
• Never hang a wreath or decorations on a door that would block the view from the peephole.

The Mail

• When mailing gifts or gift cards to friends or relatives make sure to send them to a secure address and tell someone at the location that they are coming so they can monitor the mail for their arrival.
• Request that all package deliveries require a signature and are not left on your door step.

While Shopping

• Shop before dark when possible.
• Try to coordinate shopping trips with a friend.
• Never park in unlit parking areas, no matter how convenient it is.
• Lock all packages in your vehicle’s trunk and hide any belongings that you leave in the vehicle.
• Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. When possible, pay for purchases with a credit card or debit card. Monitor your credit accounts for unauthorized activity on a regular basis.
• Teach your children who to go to in case you become separated in a store, such as a store clerk or security guard. Children should never go into a parking lot alone.
• Never leave your purse, wallet or cell phone lying in a shopping cart or stroller while shopping.
• Take your keys out and lock your vehicle while fueling up.

Entertaining

• When hosting a holiday party, have non-alcoholic beverages available for your guests.
• Have alternate transportation available for intoxicated persons.
• If you are hosting, you are responsible. Don’t let your guests drink and drive.

- Article adapted from Security Products