Holiday Safety Tips Boston New England Security

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Boston and New England Security Guard and Protective Services: HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS


The holidays will soon be upon us, and as usual, faster than we expected. During this festive season, our thoughts turn to gifts, visiting friends and relatives, and delightful culinary experiences. However, there are others who think about unoccupied appliance filled houses or apartments, distracted shoppers with extra cash in a purse or wallet or they are planning their next “charity scam.”

Statistically, crime usually increases during the holiday season. The basic reason for this is really very simple. More people with more cash, gifts, etc. are “out and about” which presents more opportunities for the criminal looking for an easy “score.” Of course, the happy shopper is rushing around, stressed out and careless, looking for last-minute gifts, trying to get everything done or thinking about what to buy “the person who has everything.” The happy shopper is not thinking about the person in the store or parking lot that has followed you and knows exactly where you keep your cash or where you parked your car. Do not give a thief an even chance this year and remember New England Security Public Safety Vehicles can offer you an escort to your vehicle.

New England Security has provided a number of crime prevention tips that if practiced, should see you through a safe holiday season. Please exercise caution durinng this upcoming special season. Trust your instincts, if something does not look or feel right, it probably isn’t. Remember, being safe should never take a holiday.

WHILE SHOPPING:

* Stay alert and be aware of everything around you. Take a minute to observe who may be watching you.
* Park in a highly visible well-lighted space. It may be daylight when you arrive at the Mall, but when you come out at 5 or 6 P.M. it will be dark.
* Lock your vehicle both when driving and parked.
* Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket .
* Have your car keys in your hand and be ready to open the car door immediately.
* Place all shopping bags, packages and gifts out of sight (trunk, under seat).
* Always know where you have parked your car, so you do not spend unnecessary time walking around the parking lot.
* Look inside and under your car before entering.
* Avoid carrying large amounts of cash – use debit card, credit card or check.
* Do not overburden yourself with packages. This will help deter pickpockets or purse snatchers.
* Do not park next to a van or truck where people can hide.
* If you take children shopping, teach them to go to a police officer or a New England Security Officer if they get separated or lost. Ensure children know that mommy and daddy would never send a person they did not know to “take them home” or “take them to find mommy or daddy.”


OUT FOR THE EVENING:

* Turn on lights, television or radio so that it appears that someone is home.
* Lock all doors and windows, even if you plan to be gone for a few minutes.
* Holiday gifts should not be displayed where they can be seen from the outside.

HOLIDAY TRAVELING:

* Ask a neighbor to watch your house or apartment, ask them to park in your driveway or space from time to time.
* Use automatic timers for your lights.
* Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries.
* Arrange to have snow shoveled (if necessary) while you are away.

WHILE DRIVING:

* Be alert at intersections and stoplights. They can be favorite spots for persons with a criminal intent.
* Keep your car in gear. If you are threatened, blow the horn, then drive away. Leave enough space between you and the car in front of you to pull around if necessary.
* Keep windows rolled up and doors locked at all times.
* Keep valuables (purses, packages, wallets, etc.) out of sight.
* If followed – do not drive home. Go to a police station, fire house, gas station or other public place.
* If car breaks down, stay with the car and accept NO rides. If someone stops to help, ask them to call the police. Use a cell phone if available.
* Keep your vehicle well maintained and gassed up.
* When partaking of “holiday cheer,” good judgment is always in order. Remember seatbelts do save lives, and do not use your cell phone while driving.

PARKING GARAGE SAFETY:

* When you leave your vehicle, lock it and leave it empty. Remove all items of value. This could include: cell phones, electronic devices, CD’s, clothing, briefcases, sunglasses, and even accumulated loose change. Remember the glass in your vehicle is meant to easily shatter when struck. It provides little or no protection for any valuables you leave in the vehicle.
* If you have used your cigarette lighter or auxiliary plug, make sure you replace the lighter and close the flap on the auxiliary plug before you leave your vehicle. Failure to do so could be a telltale to a potential thief that an item of value may be in the car.
* If possible, park in a well-lit area. In a garage it is best to park away from stairwells.
* If provided, become familiar with the locations of security cameras and emergency call buttons located throughout the facility.
* Report suspicious activity or persons to a New England Security Officer.
* When returning to your vehicle, have your keys ready as you approach.
* Look inside your car before you unlock the door and get in, if you are concerned for any reason, simply walk past it and find help.
* Leave the parking spot immediately after everyone is situated and seatbelts are fastened - don’t stay and write notes, balance checkbooks or talk on the phone.
* Keep doors locked and windows up.

AT HOME:

* Keep all doors and windows locked, even if you step out for a moment.
* Mark all your property with an “identifier” type number. DO NOT use your social security number. Some prefer their driver’s license number.
* Video tape valuables as a record of ownership.
* Inspect all holiday lights for frayed wiring before you hang them.
* If you are using a ladder to hang holiday decorations, make sure it is properly secured.
* Keep holiday decorations and plants away from young children and pets. Some are poisonous.
* Place your holiday tree, decorations, etc. away from heating vents or fireplaces to reduce the risk of fire.
* Keep fresh cut holiday greenery watered.
* Use extreme caution when using lighted candles as part of your holiday celebration.
* Beware of strangers coming to the door asking for charitable donations. Ask them four questions: Can you show some identification, is the donation tax deductible, how will the funds be used, and may I have a receipt. If you are not satisfied with any or all the answers tell them “no thank you” and close the door. Help a work sponsored charitable group or a charity that has special meaning to you or a loved one.


Please remember to enjoy the holiday season and not be lulled into becoming a victim. Following the few simple suggestions presented in this article can ensure your holidays are safe and enjoyable. Also, do not permit “holiday stress” to get the best of you. Make time to get together with friends and family, and consider reaching out to others in need. By doing your part, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season – except for the thief or “con-artist.”

You may also access additional safety tips by visiting our Public Safety web page: New England Security and Public Safety Agency

http://www.newenglandsecurity.com


Posted by Boston & New England Security at 12/9/2010 12:43 PM
Categories: Useful Information

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