By William Schievella
As we approach the holiday season, we must be mindful of security and safety. Our thoughts might be focused on events and celebrations with family and friends, but we cannot forget that criminals often take this opportunity to prey on unsuspecting people.
A Security.org survey noted that 49 million Americans (nearly 19%) have had at least one package stolen in the past twelve months. Additionally, 36% of American adults surveyed say they’ve sent a package somewhere other than their home address and 54% say they’ve changed plans in order to receive a package in person. Yet nearly 70% said they weren’t willing to change their online holiday shopping habits in the face of package theft.
Keep these Holiday Safety and Crime Prevention Tips in mind this Holiday Season.
• Make sure all doors and windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.), and use them! Don’t hide spare keys in mailboxes, planters, or under doormats. Criminals look in all of these locations!
• Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or are activated by sensors. Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed so they do not conceal doors and windows. Remember, overgrown foliage can provide a hiding place for criminals. Place gifts where they can’t be seen from the outside. Leaving gifts in hallways and spare rooms with open window views is an invitation for burglaries. Consider safe deposit boxes for coin and stamp collections, seldom-worn jewelry, stocks, bonds, etc.
• Be sure to mail cards, checks, or gift certificates from the Post Office or at a blue U.S. Postal Service collection box. Don’t leave them in your mailbox. Many times potential criminals and vandals check mailboxes during the holidays. Always lock your vehicle and remove all the valuables. Yes, even in your driveway!
• Use caution anytime there is a stranger at your door. Be suspicious of unexpected sales calls or deliveries and always ask for identification. Be aware that criminals commit scams during the holidays to take advantage of people’s generosity. Always investigate charities before making donations and ask how the funds will be used.
When leaving your home for the holidays, exercise additional caution. Remember the following tips:
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home. Consider notifying the local police department if you will be away for a prolonged period. Many departments maintain a list of empty homes for patrol officers to keep additional checks on.
• Use timers for lights and radios while you’re away and remember to make arrangements for mail and newspaper deliveries to be paused.
Taking the time to protect yourself, your family and your property can make the holiday season much more enjoyable. Please don’t allow yourself to become a victim this season.
Happy Holidays from Sheriff Darrin J. Russo and the men and women in the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office!
About Somerset County Sheriff Darrin J. Russo
A Somerset County resident since 1989, Sherriff Russo resides in Franklin Township. He is married with five children. A retired Lieutenant from the Franklin Township Police Department, he has over 30 years of law enforcement experience working with county, state, and federal agencies on high-profile investigations. Sherriff Russo has organized some of the largest officer mobilizations in Somerset County to combat gang activity, violent crimes, and robberies. While with the Franklin Twp. Police Department, he managed a staff of 16 officers, 4 sergeants, and multiple police units and received numerous citations and awards including twice receiving the Somerset County 200 Club Award.