The following Holiday Safety Tips from the Beaver Police Department are recommendations to aid in the safety and security of our residents during this holiday season. The holiday season is always a special time of year. Holidays can be extremely busy, and people can become vulnerable to theft and other crimes. Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. We can never be too careful; holiday seasons always bring a spike in crime because the scammers prey on the vulnerability of busy families. Please share this information with relatives, friends and neighbors. The Beaver Police Department wishes you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.
If You Are Traveling
- Get an automatic timer for your lights.
- Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, 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 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.
- LOCK your vehicles and houses at all time.
If You Are Shopping
- Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
- Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
- 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. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
- Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
- Avoid driving alone at night.
- If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
- Park close to your destination.
Protect Your Vehicle
- Always lock your vehicle and secure all items so that they are out of view—remember: out of sight, out of mind. Breaking into an empty car isn’t worth a thief’s time. However, anything left in plain view— from your holiday gifts to spare change, sunglasses, CDs, cell phones or briefcases—may tempt a thief.
- Help prevent your vehicle from being stolen by always locking your car and using anti-theft devices. And although it’s cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store—even if for only a minute or two.
If a Stranger Comes to the Door
- Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts, so be cautious when accepting a package.
- It’s not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others’ generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there’s no charity involved. Ask for identification and find out how the funds will be used. Scammers are very creative and make it so enticing. Call the police if something does not seem right.
Enjoy the Season!
- Last but not least, enjoy the season. The Beaver Police Department is available 24/7 for any kind of call. Our officers are continuously staying up to date on the most current scams and criminal trends so that we can help provide the best service to our residents.
The Beaver Police Department wishes you a happy holiday season!
