CITY POLICE ISSUE HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

  

Christmas is the season of giving and getting together with friends and family. The Brenham Police Department wants to make sure the holidays aren’t spoiled by criminals taking rather than giving.

“As the Christmas holidays approach, many people travel to visit family and friends. And in the excitement of going, it’s easy to forget the precautions needed to ensure valuables are safe at home, “ said Chief Rex Phelps.

“We would like to remind our citizens of some of the basic safety tips that can help keep valuables safe and avoid  being the victim of a crime. When people leave – whether it’s for a day or for a week – here are some of the things that can be done to keep property safe,” said he said.

• Make sure your home looks lived in by leaving shades and blinds in normal positions.
• Stop mail and newspapers or ask a friend to make daily collections.
• Hide empty trash cans or have a neighbor move the container to the curb and then bring it in.
• Put an automatic timer on lights and radios – preferably a talk radio show.
• Store valuables in a safe deposit box or take smaller items with you.
• Make a record of the serial numbers for your valuable items and take the list with you or store it in your safe deposit box or send the information to your personal email account.
• Lock all windows and doors.
• Make sure garage doors are locked – disarm automatic garage door openers.
• Don’t leave a garage door opener in an unattended vehicle in the driveway or street.
• Lock gate to fenced back yards.
• Don’t advertise your plans on social networking outlets.
• Leave your lights on if you’re planning on returning home late.
• Notify the neighbors trust that you are going to be gone.
• Report suspicious behavior.
• Park in well-lit areas and shop with a friend.
• Always keep your purse or wallet with you; don’t leave it in the shopping basket unattended.
• Keep your receipts separate from your purchases; it they are stolen you will have proof of purchase and ownership.

“Pay attention to your surroundings and don’t be afraid to report suspicious behavior. The safety of our community doesn’t have borders. Criminals don’t care if they’re in the county or city. And if you feel threatened, don’t hesitate to call 911,” Phelps said.

(Story Courtesy: Angela Hahn, Brenham Police department)