With the holiday season upon us, practicing safety is a priority.  Here are some tips to ensure your safety during this holiday season. 

Vehicle Safety

• Don't leave valuables in the car.
• Make sure all the car doors are locked before you park and leave your vehicle.
• Be alert and look around your car before entering it.
• Park in well-lit areas or under lamp posts at night.
• Don’t leave your vehicle running and unattended.

Personal Safety

·       Carry a cell phone with you and report suspicious behavior to the police immediately.

·       Be alert and avoid displaying or carrying large sums of money.

·       Use a credit card to purchase items and keep a record of all card numbers at home.

·       Beware of strangers approaching you. Thieves may try to distract you with the intention of taking your valuables.

·       Don’t carry anything in your purse that you can't afford to lose.

Delivery Safety

·       Schedule deliveries when someone is home to receive the package.

·       Use tracking numbers and email/text notifications to closely monitor when packages arrive.

·       Have packages delivered to a workplace or apartment lobby where someone can sign for it.

·       Connect with neighbors, friends and family members to make arrangements to sign for and receive packages.            

·       Be a vigilant neighbor. Report all suspicious activity, including any strangers potentially casing in your neighborhood.

Online Safety

• Only shop on trusted websites.
• Don't click links in emails.  Identity thieves are creating emails that look like they are from trusted companies, but clicking links may infect your computer with malware or give the thieves access to passwords.
• Be sure to keep everything including passwords and computer software up to date.
• To keep your bank account safe, use credit or prepaid cards to purchase items.