Crime Prevention Tips for This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us and we, at the Norwood Police Department, would like to offer some crime prevention tips.

When shopping:

• Always park in a well-lit area
• Check the car’s interior before you enter.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your car.
• Conceal any previously purchased items. It is best in the trunk of the car.
• Don’t talk on the cell phone while walking through the parking lot.
• Don’t leave purse, wallet or cell phone in plain view.
• Don’t resist if someone tries to take your belongings. Stay safe and dial 911.
• If you use an ATM check your surroundings first.
• Protect your PIN and make a copy of your credit card numbers in the event one is stolen.
• Carry only the credit cards you need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Be aware of the “good deal” scams.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry; it may make you a target.
• Carry your wallet in your front pocket.
• Women, don’t leave your purse unattended in your shopping carriage. Carry it close to your body.

At home:

• Always lock your doors and windows. Even if just running a quick errand.
• Always leave a light on inside and outside your house at night.  The noise of a TV or radio is often times enough to deter a would be burglar. Put lights on a timer.
• If you plan to be away for a couple of days notify a trusted neighbor to collect your paper and any mail from piling up.
• Have a trusted neighbor accept delivery on packages sent to your home. Don’t have them left out on front step.
• If a neighbor is unavailable to accept the package, leave a post it note for delivery to be left at a back door, out of sight.
• After Christmas don’t pile up empty gift boxes for trash/recycling. This will tip off thieves that a new TV, computer, or other expensive item is in the house. Cut up the cardboard and put them into the barrels.
• Leave keys with a trusted neighbor not under the mat or any other easily discoverable spot
• Don’t put your name on your house or mailbox-thieves can look up your number then call to find when you’re not home.

Make the holidays more enjoyable by not being the victim of a crime.