CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Clarksville Police Department would like to share some tips to help you have an enjoyable holiday and reduce your chances of becoming a victim of criminals or scammers during the holiday season.
TRAVELING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
• Prepare for your departure
• Have someone you trust check on your house while you’re gone
• Stop or have your paper or mail picked up. Overflowing mail or papers say no one is around
• Set an automatic timer for your lights and consider attaching some sort of electronic which makes it sound like you’re home (radio, T.V. etc.)
• Set alarms and double lock doors
SHOPPING
• Dress casually/comfortably
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry
• Shop with a friend. Safety in numbers
• Secure wallets or purses so they cannot be grabbed or lifted (purse strap over the body, wallet in front pocket). Also, only keep documents in your purse or wallet that are needed. You won’t need your social security card, birth certificate, or such documents while shopping
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash
• Safeguard your credit cards. Protect data. Verify your transactions as soon as possible. Be prepared to cancel or notify appropriate agencies if you lose your cards or documents. Protect your PIN when entered on a keypad
• Don’t be distracted. Stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t let an overly friendly stranger lull you into a false sense of security
• Shop during daylight hours, if possible
• Park in well-lit areas and close to the entrance. Make sure you know where you parked. Avoid parking next to vehicles with tinted windows
• Don’t leave packages or valuables in plain view. Keep them out of sight. If your car is filled with goodies, it may be time to do a home drop off and return for additional shopping
KEEP VEHICLES LOCKED
• Don’t leave vehicles running unattended or children alone, even for a minute or two
• Have your keys in hand when you return to your car so you can enter quickly
• Awareness of your surroundings is the key. Keep an eye out for suspicious persons or activity. Alert police if necessary.
• Don’t leave anything in a shopping cart, unattended, that you don’t want to lose or have taken.
PACKAGE DELIVERIES
• Online shopping is alive and well, but packages have to be delivered. The holiday brings out porch thieves that will comb neighborhoods looking for lonely packages looking for some company
• Track deliveries by utilizing email notifications
• Have the package picked up or delivered to a trusted friend or relative who is available at delivery time
• If your job doesn’t mind and the business is staffed for deliveries, have it sent to the office
• Check whether the item can be shipped to a location where the package can be held for pick up
POST GIFT SHOPPING
• Don’t advertise what you bought. Boxes or containers detailing contents makes strangers aware of what type of items may be in a residence. Break down boxes and dispose of them quickly
• Use caution utilizing social media to show your excitement about the great gifts you received if your webpages are open to general viewing
• When the holiday rush has subsided, take time to update your household inventory to include the new items you received
HOLIDAY SCAMMERS
• The holidays bring the scammers out in full force. Verify any organization soliciting donations whether personally or through cyber channels
• Ask for proof of their organization and question the use of donated funds
• Preselect reputable charities to donate to
PARTY WISELY
• Have non-alcoholic beverages available
• Don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver
• Only time can eliminate alcohol from the system
• Be a responsible party host and have alternative transportation for intoxicated guests. There are many reasonable travel options available
“We’ve only scratched the surface on holiday safety tips, but we’re giving you a starting point to add to,” CPD spokesman Jim Knoll said. “Enjoy the holiday season, spend time with friends, and be careful. Happy Holidays from the Clarksville Police Department.”