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Darleen Schiavo

Safety Tips for the Holiday Season!

Posted December 7, 2009 @ 12:21PM

Where there are fun filled activities, there's always the possibility for accidents! Here are some tips from our very own Windsor Police that you should take very seriously to ensure your Holiday is only filled with FUN!!

OUTDOORS

• Tell others where you're going and when you are expected to return.
• Walk the safest route and stay in well-lighted, well-travelled areas.
• Be Alert... walk confidently with your head up!
• Avoid over-burdening yourself with parcels - carry only your purse and close to you but do not wrap purse strap around your neck or wrist as forcible removal may cause injury.

• Carry only the cash and credit cards that you will need for the day
• Never leave your purse unattended in a change room or shopping cart - EVEN FOR A SECOND!
• Do not carry open-weave bags or purses without zippers or flaps. These are easy targets for pickpockets.
• Pay particular attention to people walking in front and behind you when you are in crowded areas. Large crowds are favorites for thieves.

• Look inside the vehicle before getting into it and keep your doors locked at all times. If you have a two-door car, fold the front seats forward when you exit so you can see the rear seats when you return.
• Park in a well-lighted area. Carry your car keys in your hand. Have them available and ready to open the door.
• Do not leave parcels and packages in plain view in your vehicle. Lock all valuables in the trunk. If you take packages to your car but plan to return to the mall or store, move your car to a different location in parking lot. Criminals can be looking for shoppers who drop their purchases in their vehicle and return to the mall to shop!

• Arrange to have your driveway/walkway cleared of snow especially when you are away from home. Leave some lights on and leave a radio or television playing.
• Cancel all deliveries (ie: newspaper) and arrange for a neighbour to pick up your mail when you are away from home.
• Packaging from big ticket items should be discarded carefully. Cardboard boxes should be bundled and turned inside out to conceal the nature of the contents.

• Keep a record of your valuables (ie: receipts/serial numbers)
• Help to identify your property by engraving an identifying mark. Proper identification makes it easier for police to return personal property. The identification should be readily visible without marring the appearance of the item.
• Be a good neighbor and report any suspicious activity to the police.

• DO NOT enter your home as the criminal may still be inside.
• Use a cell phone or your neighbour's phone to call the police.
• DO NOT touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
• Note the licence plate number of any suspicious vehicles and the description of any suspicious persons.

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