Tips to stay safe during the holidays

FALLBROOK - Sheriff’s crime prevention specialist John McLelland share these tips with Fallbrook and Bonsall residents to help them stay safe during the holidays:

“Maximize your common sense and follow a few simple rules to have a happy and safe holiday season.

“Crime always occurs more frequently during this time of year, so in order to not be a victim and spoil your festivities; here are some simple tips to follow:

When out and about:

“Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Use your cell phone sparingly in order to not be distracted and instead stay focused on your surroundings.”

“At all times, always lock your car doors and roll your windows up all the way, whether out and about or at home.”

“Leave nothing inside of your car in view of others. Do not tempt the thief. If you do not want your purse, wallet, checkbook, iPhone, iPod, laptop, or any other important items stolen, remove them from the inside of your car. If you drive an SUV or mini van, cover your packages so that they are not visible from the outside.”

“Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use credit cards or checks whenever possible. If you must use cash, carry different amounts in different pockets so as to not expose your entire amount to a potential thief.”

“Discourage pick pockets by being extra cautious with your purse and wallet. At the mall, carry your purse close to your side or place your wallet in your front pocket with a rubber band wrapped around it. Remember to never leave your purse or shopping bags unattended in your shopping cart.”

“Shop during daylight hours when possible. At night, park close to the building and under a light. Always shop with a friend or two. If necessary, have a mall or store employee escort you to your vehicle.”

“Have your key ready as you approach your vehicle. Look under your vehicle, in the back seat, and then the front seat. Get in quickly and lock the doors. Start your car and move to a different location to settle your packages and let your engine warm up.”

“Do not program your “home” location in any of your GPS enabled devices (i.e. cell phone, Garmin, other navigation type devices). If the aforementioned device is stolen, the location of your residence will be available to the thieves.”

While at home:

“Always keep your windows and exterior doors locked, even when you are there. Never leave your purse, wallet, checkbook, IPod, iPhone, laptop or any other important items in your vehicle, especially if you park outside of an enclosed garage.”

“Never open your door to a stranger.”

“Don’t put large displays of gifts in front of your windows or doors so that they are visible from the street or passerby. After Christmas, cut up and conceal the larger containers that gifts came in to avoid advertising what is now inside your home to a potential burglar later on.”

“If you will be gone for any period of time, remember to leave a radio tuned to a talk show radio station at a low volume and place several lamps on overlapping timers to simulate movement inside of your home. Lock all doors and windows before leaving.”

“Contact the Sheriff’s Senior Volunteer Patrol to do a vacation check at your house if you don’t have someone staying there while you are gone. The key to burglary deterrence is to make your home appear occupied at all times.”

“If ever you notice anything suspicious or out of place, call the Sheriff’s Department at (760) 728-1113; Call 9-1-1 when there is a crime in progress.”

“Remember, the thieves are out looking for their holiday items too. Think safety!”