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Safety Tips for the Holiday Season
"The holidays are a special and joyous time of year. It is also a time when individuals need to be alert to the possibility of crime," said Sgt. Erin Dumont of the Omaha Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit. She encourages individuals to take simple precautions to ensure a happy and safe holiday.
When traveling
- Set an automatic timer for the lights in your home.
- Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow and park in your driveway from time to time.
- Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped.
When out for the evening
- Turn on lights at your home and a radio or TV so it appears someone's home.
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave.
- Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.
When hosting a party
- Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
- Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
When attending a party
- 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.
- Arrange for an official designated driver who will not drink at all. Never drink and drive.
Protect your vehicle
- If packages are visible in your car, your car is a likely target for thieves. Remember the old cliché "Out of sight, out of mind?" The same idea applies to items in your car.
- Help prevent your vehicle from being stolen by always locking your car and using anti-theft devices. And although it's cold, never leave your vehicle running while you're inside your home or a store - even if only for a minute or two.
- If you take packages to the car but plan to return to the store or mall, drive your car to a new location. Criminals can be on the lookout for unsuspecting shoppers who simply drop their purchases into the trunk and then return to keep shopping.
- When returning to your car or home, have your keys in your hand ready to open the door. A few seconds may keep you from becoming a crime victim. Also check the inside of your vehicle for an intruder. Lock your doors immediately after entering the vehicle.
When shopping
- Walk confidently with your head up, stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you. Park in a well-lit space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible. When using credit cards, make sure that only one credit slip is printed with your charge card. Also, be sure to tear up any carbons that may be used to complete the transaction.
- Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages.. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. Open-weaved bags or purses without zippers or flaps are easy marks for pickpockets. Check your surroundings when opening your purse or wallet.
- Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if separated.
- Pay attention to people walking in front of and behind you. Be particularly observant when you are in crowded areas such as malls and stores, as places with large crowds are favorites for thieves and pickpockets.
- Dress down while shopping instead of wearing expensive clothing and jewelry, which attracts thieves.
For more information on safety tips and crime prevention contact the Omaha Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit at (402) 444-5772.