By Cameron Knauerhaze
If you are making a list and checking it twice, add crime prevention at the top. This time of year is literally the season to be jolly for some crooks as mall parking lots will be packed and homes will be unattended.
Property crimes (theft, burglary, ID theft, etc.) spike this time of year largely due to one thing: opportunity. Be prepared and take the necessary steps to ensure you and your family’s safety. Here are some tips from the National Crime Prevention Council.
Shopping in Stores
•
– Do not buy more than you can carry.
– Plan by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
– Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases.
– -Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.
– Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.
– -Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
– Deter pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
– Have your keys when approaching your vehicle and be aware of your surroundings.
– Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.
Shopping with Small Children
•
– If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other.
– Select a central meeting place. Teach them to know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help.
Shopping Online
•
– Before surfing the Internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone’s computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed. Visit www.bytecrime.org for free software downloads.
– Keep your personal information private and your password secure. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.
– Beware of “bargains” from companies with whom you are unfamiliar—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
– Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address.
– Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.
Crime Survivors wishes you and your loved ones’ a safe holiday season and we look forward to a healthy and happy New Year.
Facebook Feed
