Don't let the spirit of the holiday season lull you into giving burglars, muggers, and pickpockets a better chance to do their dirty work. Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else and chiefly because it's an opportune time for crime.

Holidays should be a season of joy and song. It is a time to enjoy with family and friends. The holidays are also a busy time for shoppers.

Please remember these crime prevention tips during the holiday season:

Protecting Your Home

• Always make your home appear that someone is home
• Use timers on interior lighting.
• Use motion sensors on exterior lighting.
• Have your driveway clear of snow.
• Pick up your newspaper and mail as soon as possible.
• If you are going out of town, have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspaper and return the favor.
• Do not display pictures of purchased items on cardboard in your recycle bin.
• Gather your neighbors and join a neighborhood watch.

Protecting Yourself

• Avoid carrying a large amount of cash or credit cards.
• Don't overburden yourself with packages.
• Be extra careful with purses or wallets.
• Carry your purse close to your body.
• Consider carrying a fanny pack around your waist with just the necessary items that you need for your shopping trip.
• Bring along another family member or a friend.
• Park in well lighted areas.
• Lock up everything in your trunk and do not leave any items inside your car.
• Scan the area from your car looking for persons acting suspicious or just sitting in their vehicles for no apparent reason.

If you would like more information about crime prevention education you can visit our website or contact us at our office at 651-266-7339.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!