holiday crime prevention tips protecting your home

Presented byLafayette Police Department

Holiday Crime Tips

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

'Tis the season to bejolly, but it is also theseason to be wary ofburglars, thieves,pickpockets, and otherholiday grinches.


Nothing can ruinthe Christmas spiritfaster than becoming theVictim of a crime.


Unfortunately burglars view the holidayseason a little differently…for them, itis a time of opportunity to burglarizeyour home for cash, credit cards, andgifts.


The following area few strategiesthat will help youenjoy the holidays.


Be extra cautiousabout locking doorsand windows whenyou leave yourhouse or apartment,even for a fewminutes.

Protecting Your Home

Don’t advertise …Burglars look foroccupancy cues like outdoor lightsburning 24 hours a day, piled upnewspapers, mail, or advertisingflyers hanging on the door knob.


Use an inexpensivelight timer whenyou are away andask a neighbor topick up yournewspapers andmail.


If you go out for theevening, turn onlights and a radio ortelevision so thehouse or apartmentappears to beoccupied.


Burglars prefer toenter throughunlocked doors orwindows. A holidayproblem can occurwhen exteriorChristmas lightextension cords are run insidethrough a window and prevent it frombeing secured.


Don’t leave postings on Facebook indicating you will be in Florida for the Holidays.Bad guys love to hear that they have plenty of time to break in andcompletely ransack your home.


After Christmas day, don’t pile upempty gift boxes from your newcomputer, DVD player, or stereoreceiver on the street for the garbageman. Burglars appreciate knowingthat you have expensive gifts insidefor them to steal. Break the boxesdown or cut them up to conceal theitems better.

Shopping Crime Prevention Tips

Even though you

are rushed and

thinking about a

thousand things,

stay alert to your

surroundings.


Lock your packagesand gifts in yourvehicle's trunk.Keep your vehicle'sdoors locked andwindows closed.


Have your keysReadily available inyour hand beforeyou go to your car.


When you return to your vehicle, scan the interior of your car to be sure no one is hiding inside. Check to see ifyou are being followed.


Avoid carrying largeamounts of cash. Payfor purchases with acheck, credit card, ordebit card whenpossible.


Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Shopping on the Internet

Shopping on the Internet can beeconomical and convenient. To helpensure that your online shoppingexperience is a safe one:Know who you’re dealing with. Confirmthe online seller’s physical addressand phone number in case you havequestions or problems.


Know exactly what you’re buying. Readthe seller’s description of the productclosely, especially the fine print.Pay by credit card for maximum consumer protections.


Never disclose yourPIN to anyone andnever send it overthe Internet.


Print and save records of your onlinetransactions, including the productdescription and price, the onlinereceipt, and copies of every email yousend or receive from the seller. Readyour credit card statements as youreceive them and be on the lookoutfor unauthorized charges.

And Remember…

Be Responsible……..

Don’t Drink and Drive

holiday crime prevention tips protecting your home

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shopping crime prevention

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