Milton, Alpharetta Police Want You to Stay Safe This Holiday Season

For many, the holiday season is a time for merriment and cheer. But the harsh reality is that it’s also a time of increased criminal activity. Local police are trying to combat that by sharing helpful tips with residents about staying safe.

In this Month’s “Milton E-Round Up”, the Milton Police Department provides readers with plenty oh helpful tips on staying safe both at home and on the go.

Milton’s Community Outreach and Policy Coordinator, Dennis Nelson, knows that the holiday season can be stressful. That’s when criminal’s look for opportunities to steal from or harm their victims.

“He/she lies in waiting for us to make simple mistakes that create opportunities for him or her to steal or cause us personal harm.  Don't add being the victim of a crime this holiday season to your stress,” writes Nelson.

George Gordon, spokesman for the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, is also mindful of increased criminal activity this time of year.

“As we enter the holiday shopping season, the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety reminds citizens the holidays are the “season of choice” for those who want to commit crimes. By taking a few proactive steps- you the citizen- can drastically lessen your chances of becoming a victim,” says Gordon in a recent press release.

Here is a combined list of tips from both cities in how to prevent holiday crime.

Home Safety

• Criminals are aware that homes are filled presents and stuffed-stockings this time of year. Keep those shiny, new toys safe by taking the appropriate precautions.
• Know your neighbors–it’s the best defense.
• Trim shrubbery around your windows so your house can be clearly seen.
• Close your garage door when you leave home.
• Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked before leaving the house. It doesn’t take long for burglars to get in and out with your property in tow.
• Do not display holiday gifts in view of windows or doors.
• Use automatic timers to turn indoor lights on and off. This gives the appearance that someone is home.
• Mark your new gifts with your drivers license or personal ID number to help identify property that has been stolen and recovered.
• Take photographs of your valuables and record the serial numbers in a safe place.
• Do not put boxes out on trash day. This advertises what is inside your home. Break boxes down or take them to the dump.
• Join or create a neighborhood watch program.
• Share information by e-mail with your fellow homeowners.
• Observe your surroundings for any suspicious activity.
• If you leave for an extended period of time, stop mail and newspaper delivery. Piles of both tell criminals you are gone.

Shopping Safety

Malls and other shopping centers get quite busy around the holiday season. With little security, dimly lit parking lots and arm-loads of gifts being hauled about, safety should be your first priority.

• Shop in pairs of two or more.
• Do not leave valuables in your car such as GPS units, purses, laptops and cell phones.
• Lock packages in the trunk of your car.
• Do not make yourself a target by overloading yourself with packages. This makes it easy for criminals to grab them from you and get away.
• Try not to shop late at night or alone.
• If you must shop at night park in well-lit area as close to the entrance as you can.
• Be aware of people loitering in the parking lot, especially near your car.
• Lock your car and make sure all windows are closed.
• Only bring credit cards that you need. Leave the others at home.
• Don’t carry or flash large sums of money.
• Do not give out personal or financial information unless you trust the source.
• Women, carry purses close to your body. Men, carry wallet in your front or inside pocket.
• Keep your cell phone charged.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. Do not become distracted from your purse, packages or children.
• Use caution at ATMs. Cover your PIN input from observers and look for “skimming” devices attached to the ATM machine.
• Teach your children what to do if they become separated from you in a store or shopping mall.
• Report suspicious activity to store security.
• If waiting on a ride, stay in a busy and well-lit place.
• Observe the route while traveling from a store to your residence.

Always remember, if you find yourself a victim of a crime report it to the police immediately.

Have you been a victim of holiday-related crime? Share your story in the comments section below.