Holiday Crime

Prevention Tips While Shopping

1.  Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.

2.  Shop with a friend, there is safety in numbers.

3.  Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

4.  Pay for purchases with a check, credit or debit card.

5.  If possible, carry only your driver’s license, personal checks, or necessary credit or debit cards.

6.  If you must carry a purse, do not wrap the straps around your arms or shoulders. Carry a clutch purse tightly under your arm or wear a fanny pack.

7.  Do not carry a wallet in a back pocket. It should be placed in a front pocket of your pants for safety.

8.  Be alert that crooks look for the “high dollar” shopping bags with your purchases. When possible, slip bags/purchases in a plain nondescript bag.

9.  Watch purchases while eating in shopping center food courts; bags can easily be switched or taken.

10.  Educate your children about what to do if they become lost.

11.  Have your car keys ready in hand before leaving the store.

12.  If you do return to your vehicle to unload purchases, place them in the truck of the vehicle.

13.  Try not to shop until the store closes. Remember, fewer people are present at this time.

Holiday Crime

Prevention Tips for Parking Lots

1.  Shop early and leave early to avoid evening darkness.

2.  Park in a high visibility area and check for lighting in case you leave during hours of darkness.

3.  If at all possible, try not to park next to a vehicle with dark tinted windows.

4.  Prior to arriving at a shopping center, lock all your valuables in the truck of your vehicle.

5.  Leave the store with others, not alone.

6.  Ask security to escort you to your vehicle if you feel uncomfortable.

7.  Walk briskly, confidently, and directly through the parking lot. Be cautious of people handing out fliers or asking questions in the parking area.

8.  Watch for people who may be following you. This can occur inside as well as outside. If you suspect someone following you, report it to security immediately.

Holiday Crime

Prevention Tips at Home

1.  Keep the outside of your home well lit with doors locked and windows curtains closed or leave selective lights on inside your residence. You can also place interior lights on a timer to give the appearance that someone is home.

2.  If you have an alarm system and plan to be away from home make sure to have a valid point of contact should the alarm go off. You may also place your residence on an “Extra Patrol” watch list at the police department.

3.  Don’t display gifts beneath the Christmas tree, which can be seen from windows or doors.

4.  After the holidays, don’t advertise gifts received by the boxes left for the garbage collection. Destroy boxes and lace in a sealed, non-clear garbage bag.

5.  Make sure to lock all your vehicles doors and windows and remove any valuables you may have from plain view such as navigation devices, phone, or any other loose items that can be seen through your car windows.

6.  If at all possible do not leave high dollar items outside  for all to see. These items can include, four wheelers, motor-scooters, hunting equipment, etc.

7.  If leaving for the holiday’s, ask your neighbor to watch your residence and report any unusual activity to the police department.

Have a safe and happy holiday season

Lt. Brian Duke, Patrol Supervisor

Beebe Police Dept.