Feature

November

24

Staying Safe During the Holidays

Tips Provided by the Houma Police Department

Staying Safe During the Holidays

The 2011 holiday season is upon us. That means it’s time for celebration and joy for all; unfortunately, it can also be a time when crime becomes more prevalent. Houma Police Chief Todd Duplantis reminds shoppers that criminals love the holidays as much as everyone else, but mainly because it’s an opportunity for crime.

Here are a few tips that can help to keep you safe this holiday season:

WHILE OUT SHOPPING

  1. Remain aware of your surroundings.
  2. Try not to attract pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Be extra careful with purses and wallets.
  3. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
  4. Never leave your purse in a shopping cart while unloading packages or groceries in your car.
  5. Make regular trips to the car with packages. To avoid becoming a target, do not leave packages visible in your car or attempt to cover them with a blanket.
  6. Dress comfortably and avoid carrying large amounts of money on you.
  7. Park in well-lit areas of parking lots. Lock your car and make sure all windows are completely up. Secure packages and gifts in the trunk.
  8. When returning to your vehicle, have your keys in your hand and be ready to open the door.
  9. Walk with confidence and purpose. Never use a remote to unlock your vehicle before reaching it.
  10. Before entering your vehicle, carefully check the front and rear seats and floors for anyone that may be hiding there. Lock your doors immediately after entering the vehicle.
  11. Shopping is safer by numbers. Invite a friend or relative to tag along. Report suspicious people or activity to law enforcement immediately.
  12. If your children accompany you, teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

WHILE SHOPPING WITH CHILDREN

  1. When in a public facility, always supervise your children; and always accompany young children to the restroom. Make certain your children know to stay with you at all times while shopping and that they always check first with you (or the person in charge) before they go anywhere. It is important to know where your children are and whom they are with at all times.
  2. If older children become separated from you while shopping, have them meet you in a predesignated spot, such as the sales counter of the store you were in or the mall’s information booth. For younger children, teach them to look for people who can be sources of help within the store or mall, such as a uniformed security officer, salesperson with a name tag, the person in the information booth or a uniformed law enforcement officer. They should never leave the store or mall or go to the parking lot to look for you or your car.
  3. Make practice visits to retail stores to provide them with opportunities to practice these safe shopping skills. Teach them how to use a public telephone, locate adult sources of help, check with you (or the person in charge) before they go anywhere, and teach older children to go to the restroom with a friend. Leave clothing with your child’s name displayed at home. It can bring unwelcome attention from inappropriate people who may be looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your children.
  4. Parents should not leave children alone at public facilities, such as video arcades, movie theaters or playgrounds. These facilities should not be used in the place of a babysitter. Never leave children in toy or specialty stores, expecting store personnel to supervise and care for them. They are not trained in this role, and it is not a function of their employment.
  5. If you allow your older children to go to the mall or other activities without you, they should take a friend. It is more fun and much safer. Older children should check in with you regularly while they are out. Make certain a clear plan is in place to pick them up, including where, what time and what to do in the event that plans change.
  6. Nothing takes the place of your supervision when you are in a public place with your children. If you are going holiday shopping and feel that you will be distracted, make other arrangements for the care of your children. It is easy for you and your children to get distracted with all of the sights, sounds and crowds of holiday shopping, so make certain they stay with you at all times.

BEWARE IF A STRANGER COMES TO THE DOOR

Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. It is not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others’ generosity during the holidays by going door to door for charitable donations when there is no charity involved. Ask for identification and find out how the funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not give. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead.

SECURE YOUR VEHICLE

  1. Park your vehicle as close to your destination as possible in a well-lit area.
  2. Remember to store your packages in the trunk of the vehicle and not on the backseat. Also, if you take packages to the car but plan to return to the store or mall, drive your vehicle to a new location within the parking lot.

WHEN OUT FOR THE EVENING

  1. Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone is home.
  2. Be cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it is just for a few minutes.
  3. Do not display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

WHEN TRAVELING

  1. Get an automatic timer for your lights.
  2. Ask a neighbor to watch your home and park in the driveway from time to time.
  3. Do not forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it’s a sure sign that you are gone.

TAKE A HOLIDAY INVENTORY

The holidays are a good time to update or create your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items and list descriptions along with serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help to identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file.