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Vice Mayor Greg Stanton's
Arcadia News Column
December 2003
Stay safe during the holidays
The holidays are a special time to enjoy with friends and family, but statistics show that citizens are at greater risk of being victims of burglaries, robberies and thefts during the holidays than at any other time of the year. Don't be an easy target. Here are some crime prevention tips from the Phoenix Police Department to help protect you and your property through this holiday season. Follow these simple tips and have a safe, happy holiday season.
If you are shopping:
- Park in a well-lit space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
- Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside. A car can be stolen in seconds.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
- Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Leave your purse at home if you can, or carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
- If you need to use an ATM, use one inside the mall or some other well-lit, populated area.
- Be aware of your surroundings as you come and go from your car. Have your keys out and in your hand so you don't have to fumble to find them in the parking lot. Don't be shy about asking mall or store security for an escort.
If you are traveling
- Get an automatic timer for your lights.
- Ask a neighbor or to watch your home, and park in the driveway from time to time.
- Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're gone.
- If you are an alarm service subscriber, make sure they have a local person on file to contact if an alarm is activated.
If you are out for the evening
- Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone's home.
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it's just for a few minutes.
- Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside the house.
If you are asked for a donation
- Ask for ID, and make inquiries to ensure the charity is a legitimate one.
- If you're not satisfied, don't donate.
- Never provide credit card numbers or other personal information over the phone unless you're sure you know who is calling.
- Consider donating to recognized charitable organizations.
Holiday parties
- If you're hosting a party, appoint a designated driver for guests who need a safe ride home.
- If you're attending a party, know your safe drink limit. If you exceed it, call a cab, ask someone to drive you home or stay the night.
- Never drink and drive!
- Never celebrate with gunfire. It can cause serious injury or death.
Take a holiday inventory
- Update or create a home inventory.
- Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file.
- Make sure things like TVs, VCRs, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment, and power tools are on the list.
Please do all you can to keep your family safe this holiday season and, as always, if you have comments or concerns you would like to discuss with me, please feel free to call my office at 602-262-7491, send e-mail to greg.stanton@phoenix.gov or visit my Web site at
http://www.phoenix.gov/DISTRICT6/.
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