Montgomery County Police Provide Holiday Season Safety Tips

Montgomery County Police want to remind citizens of several good safe practices to follow during this upcoming holiday season because the opportunities for robberies and burglaries may increase during the holiday season.

Many robberies and burglaries can be prevented and officers want to provide our community members with safety tips that can help prevent them from becoming victims of a robbery or residential burglary.

When shopping:
Don't be too distracted by your shopping, stay alert and be aware of everything around you at all times.

Park in well-lighted spaces and as close to the mall or store as possible.

Lock your car doors, and hide packages in the trunk on under the seats. Theft from vehicle is the most common crime in Montgomery County.

Don't carry large amounts of cash, pay with a check or credit card if possible.

Make sure that you are not encumbered with a large number of packages.
Make trips back to the car to stow them in the trunk as you continue to shop.

Carry your closed purse as close to your body as possible, not dangling by straps.

Carry a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

When out walking:
Where ever you are, on the street, in an office building, or shopping mall, waiting for a bus or the subway, stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings.

Walk with confidence and know where you are going.

Trust your instincts; if something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.

Stick to well-lighted and well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.

Don't flash large amounts of cash or other tempting targets like expensive jewelry or clothing.

Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.

If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street, and walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house.

If someone does try to rob you, don't resist. Give up your property, don't endanger your life. Report the crime to police as soon as possible and try to describe the attacker accurately. Your rapid reporting of the incident may prevent others from becoming victims.

At home:
If your Christmas tree can be seen through a window, don't display presents under the tree where they could be seen.

Make sure to lock all doors and windows.

If you are going away for the holiday, let a neighbor know that your home won't be occupied.

Have someone pick-up your mail and papers.

Use timed lights to give the appearance of someone at home.

If it snows, ask a neighbor to do some shoveling for you.

After the holidays, be sure to break down card board boxes from presents for recycling so that a potential burglar doesn't know your home has a new computer, TV, video game system, etc.