Tip of the Week: BUSY, BUSY, BUSY…but not too busy to be safe!

This is a busy time of year, with all the shopping and parties; seems like we all have so much on our minds we forget Home and Personal Security.

Sit down with your family and discuss those things you and your family can do to have a safe and secure holiday season.

SHOPPING SAFETY

When you’re out shopping, be aware of what is going on around you. Never keep any bag or other things of value in the car where someone can see them. Keep them locked in the trunk or someplace secure and out of sight.

Also be aware of people in the parking lot, and make an effort to go in and out of buildings in groups or watch for other people in the area, so if you yell for help, someone will be there. It is common for crooks to hide in between cars and jump out and take your purse or other valuables.

Another common trick is for a thief to lie under your car and grab your ankles, pull you to the ground and take your valuables. Make sure you are in a well-lighted area and again, do not be afraid to yell if you need help. And be sure to keep your car doors locked while you are driving in your car, as well as when your car is parked. If your car is unlocked when you return to it, always check the back seat and make sure someone is not waiting in the seat or on the floor. Don't be in a rush and regret it later!

HOME SECURITY THIS HOLIDAY

This time of year, crooks know you have extra money and gifts in your house. That’s why there are more home break-ins this season than any other time of the year. Protect yourself!

Make sure your home is safe and secure. Keep doors locked, and use deadbolts on your doors. And don’t leave a key in the inside of the deadbolt lock, especially if you have glass in the door. One of the most common break-ins happens when a thief breaks the glass in the door and reaches in and unlocks the door.

Leave lights on when you are not at home, and leave a radio on close to a door so you can hear the noise. A talk radio station is the best so it sounds like someone is home and talking.

Go around and make sure all your windows are locked. Make sure you pay attention to what is going on around your neighborhood. A noisy neighbor is a good neighbor, so call neighbors if you see or think something that is not quite right…someone who keeps driving around, or a stranger that keeps walking around your block.

If you see something, call the police and let them know. The police are there to help and want to know. Make sure you have a description of a car or a description of the person you are concerned about…clothes, hair color, etc. Don't worry about being a nuisance to the police, as your “stranger” may be the tip the police need to break a crime ring.

And remember to talk to your kids and tell them how important it is to keep the house locked.

DON’T LEAVE YOUR BOXES OUT!

When you open boxes for that new computer, tv, or stereo, make sure you cut up the boxes and put them in a plastic bag or obscure them on garbage day.

Boxes that are not cut up are only advertising all your new stuff that a crook would want.Think about what you’re doing and take a minute to be safe and secure.

And be a good neighbor and keep an eye out for your neighbor’s house too!

PARTIES AND GUESTS

If you’re having a holiday party in your home, make sure you lock up any valuables and don't leave things out where they are easy to pick up and take.

Jewelry should never be left out in the open on dressers or in plain sight. Have everyone in your family keep an eye out for guest that may pick up a CD or other small item and slip it in a pocket or purse. Sometimes it’s your best friends, co-workers, or even a family member that might pick something up by mistake!

Lock bedrooms and other rooms where guests have no reason to be…how many times have you wondered where something is a couple of weeks after you had a party or guest over?

Take note of your children’s friends who visit your house this time of year. Often, it’s the ‘nicest’ friends that you would trust with your keys who are the ones you have to watch the closest. It may be hard to believe that a friend or guest would take something, but it happens all the time.

Be aware of what is going on!

Have a special and safe holiday and a Great New Year!

Send any questions you have to The Hardware Guy. More tips.