Reminder of Holiday Safety Tips from the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office

As we begin the holiday season, the potential for thefts can become more frequent. With all the distractions the holiday season brings, sometimes we forget the basics about safety, no matter where we are. By staying alert and following a few crime-prevention tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

· Be sure to lock your car, whether at home or away. Double check that all car doors are locked and that windows are rolled up all the way up before you leave your car unattended. Engage your car’s audible alarm system, if equipped.

· Be aware of your surroundings. Look around, up ahead and behind you before entering or exiting the safety and security of your car or the shopping mall.

· Park in well-lit, highly visible, and heavily trafficked areas of a parking lot or parking garage. Always try to park as close as you can to an entry or exit door of the shopping mall.

· When shopping at night, try to avoid going alone. Bring a friend or family member with you.

· Teach your children to immediately go to an information desk, a front counter, or to try to find a store clerk, a security guard, or a law enforcement officer to help them if they become lost or separated from you.

· Be mindful of your purses and wallets. Keep purses help tight under your arm, not hanging off your shoulder or in a shopping card. Keep wallets in an inside jacket pocket or front pants pocket.

· Avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash or credit cards. Take only what you need for your purchases. Keep the records and card numbers of all your credit cards in a secure location in case you need to report them lost or stolen.

· Do not overburden yourself when carrying out bags or packages to the car. Always store and secure any items of value, purchases, or packages in the trunk of your car and keep them out of sight.

· When leaving the shopping mall, always have your keys in your hand, ready to go. That way you can enter your car as quickly as possible. Also, in the event of an emergency, you can activate your car’s audible alarm via the “panic button” on your key chain, if equipped.

· Most importantly, always report any suspicious people, vehicles, or activities immediately to mall security or local law enforcement. Individuals looking for crimes of opportunity come out in force during the holidays. Thieves have been known to follow delivery trucks and target homes after a delivery has been made.

· If you are shopping online, you can reduce the chances of becoming a victim of package theft by following these simple tips:

o Have the package delivered to your workplace or to a trusted neighbor or relative who is more likely to be home.

o Choose a shipping option that requires you to sign for delivery or track the delivery status online, so you can make arrangements to be home when your package arrives. Some retailers and shipping companies even offer text messages to alert you when your package has been delivered.

o Another option would be to ask the shipping company to hold your package for customer pick-up at its local facility.

o If you do not receive your shipment on time, track your package to confirm its delivery.

o Another option is to deliver your package to a retail store or lock, where they will stay safe until you can pick them up at your convenience.

o If your item was delivered but you did not receive it, report the theft to the original company and the shipping company.

o Always immediately report any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood to the Non-Emergency Dispatch (813.247.8200). In the event of an emergency or a crime in progress, dial 911.