The end-of-year holiday season is already upon us.  With all the distractions and celebrating, we sometimes forget the need to keep safe on the streets and at home.    Criminals are always looking for an opportunity to victimize us, especially during such a busy time of year.  By staying alert and following a few crime prevention tips, you can ensure a holiday season that is both peaceful and safe.  Let’s do away with the criminal’s    opportunity to commit crime by being aware of our surroundings and potential areas of danger. Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver would like to remind you of some basic safety tips that will help make your holiday a safer one.

At Home
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment, even for a few minutes.
Don’t display holiday gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway.  Store gifts before you go away on a holiday trip.
If you go out for the evening, turn on lights and a radio or television so the house of apartment appears to be occupied.
Be wary of strangers soliciting for charitable donations.  They may attempt to take advantage of people’s generosity during the holidays.  Ask for identification, how donated funds are used, if contributions are tax deductible, etc.  If you aren’t satisfied with the answers, don’t give.
If you have houseguests, advise them of your security precautions and make sure they follow them.
Avoid leaving boxes from purchases (especially TV’s, VCR’s, computer, etc.) out on the curb for trash pickup.

Many criminals target busy shoppers for purse snatching and other forms of robbery.  They tend to hang out at malls and other busy shopping establishments in order to find the easiest victims.  Here are some simple and easy tips to follow:

• Shop before dark if possible.  Possibly coordinate shopping trips with a friend.  Never park in an unlit lot or area, no matter how convenient it is.
  Lock your packages and gifts in your vehicle’s truck.  Keep your vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed.

As we all get ready for the holiday season, the purse snatchers are practicing their craft as well.  The criminals know that during the holidays, shoppers are distracted and are not as careful as they should be. Here are some prevention tips that will hopefully deter these thieves:

Keep your purse close to your body.
If possible, avoid carrying a large purse when shopping. A fanny pack is compact and more difficult to steal.
Carry only the credit cards you intend to use, leave the others at home.
Try to avoid carrying a large amount of cash. Use checks or credit cards.
Use an ATM in a well lit and high traffic area.  Have your card ready to use when you approach the machine.
Be aware of your environment. Do not walk or park in poorly lit areas.

Holiday Party Safety

Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
Serve something to eat before serving alcoholic beverages.  High protein foods stay in the stomach longer and slow absorption of alcohol into the system.
Have alternative transportation for intoxicated persons.  Don’t let guests drink and drive.

The Sheriff’s Office believes it is our goal is to keep citizens safe and informed by providing efficient and effective law enforcement services to the community that we serve.

For additional crime prevention tips and other information please visit our website, www.dcsheriff.net.