SAFETY TIPS: Protect Your Vehicle

• Loading up on all those gifts is a sign of

progress in the holiday shopping. But if those

packages are left out in the open after they’re

in the car, your car has become a likely target

for thieves. Remember the old cliché “Out

of sight, out of mind?” The same idea applies

to items in your car.

• Always lock your vehicle and store all items out

of sight. 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, iPods, cell phones, GPS or

laptops – 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 only for a minute

or two.

• If you take packages to the car but plan to

return to the store or mall, drive your car to a

new location. Criminals can be on the lookout

for unsuspecting shoppers who simply drop

their purchases into the trunk and then return

to keep shopping.

• When returning to your auto (or home) have

your keys in your hand ready to open the door.

A few seconds may keep you from becoming

a crime victim. Also check the inside of

the vehicle for an intruder. Lock your doors

immediately after entering the vehicle.

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 away.

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.

If You Are Hosting A Party

• Have non-alcoholic beverages available for

party guests.

• Find alternative transportation for intoxicated

guests.

• Arrange for an official designated driver for

your party who will not drink at all.

If You Are Attending A Party

• Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.

• Eat high protein foods that will stay in your

stomach longer and slow the absorption of

alcohol into your system.

• Remember: Only time will eliminate the alcohol

from your body. Know your safe limit.

• Never drink and drive.

If You Are Shopping

• Walk confidently with your head up, stay alert

and be aware of what’s going on around you.

• Park in a well-lit 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.

When using credit cards, make sure that only

one credit slip is printed with your charge card.

Also, be sure to tear up any carbons that may

be used to complete the transaction.

• 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. Open-weaved bags or

purses without zippers or flaps are easy marks

for pickpockets. Check your surroundings

when opening your purse or wallet.

• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go

to a store clerk or security guard if you

get separated.

• Pay attention to people walking in front of

and behind you. Be particularly observant

when you are in crowded areas such as malls

and stores, as places with large crowds are

favorites for thieves and pickpockets.

• Dress down while shopping instead of wearing

expensive clothing and jewelry, which attracts

thieves.