With the holidays rapidly approaching, our thoughts turn to buying, giving and receiving gifts, visiting friends and family, and sharing delightful culinary experiences. But the holiday season also brings an unwanted present; increased crime. Stores, malls and downtown streets teeming with unsuspecting shoppers. People rushing around, stressed out and careless, looking for last-minute gifts, trying to get everything done. It’s enough to make a crook giddy with holiday joy.
Here are just a few general tips from Colorado Vault and Safe Deposit Box Co.
to keep yourself and your property safe during and after the holiday season:
- Be aware that sometimes criminals will pose as couriers delivering gifts to case your home or to commit a crime immediately.
- Be cautious about locking your windows and doors even when you leave the house for a short period of time.
- When you leave your home for extended holiday travel, have a neighbor or friend watch your home while you’re away and place any important items in your safe deposit box.
- Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
- Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
- Check mail daily and immediately retrieve packages left at the doorstep, or arrange to pick up packages if you’ll be gone when they’re going to be delivered.
- Don’t leave your vehicle unattended while warming it up. Someone may steal it while you’re away.
- If someone comes to your home who is soliciting donations or sales and makes you feel uncomfortable ask them to leave and contact law enforcement.
Automated Teller Machine (ATM):
- Use ATMs during daylight hours.
- Use those located inside a facility or at a well-lighted facility.
- Only withdrawal the cash you need.
- Shield the keypad, from those around you, when entering your pin.
- Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM’s location.