Take steps to be safe

Published 10:35 pm Saturday, December 21, 2013

In the hustle and bustle of getting ready for Christmas, it’s easy for people to forget taking precautions when it comes to personal security. But a theft of cash, identity or, worse still – presents – can dissolve any feelings of goodwill toward one’s fellow man.

To minimize the chances of such heartbreak, we suggest the following tips:

  • When possible, shop with someone else as an added bit of security.
  • Whether shopping alone or with others, always park in well-lighted and secure lots, especially when going to malls in other cities. Be sure there’s nothing visible in the front or backseats that might tempt thieves. Make sure the doors and trunk are locked.
  • Be alert to your surroundings, such as where you parked and who might be around. If you see suspicious behavior or activity, report them to the store, mall security or police.
  • Stay vigilant about your purses, wallets and even mobile phones. Don’t leave them open on shelves or cash-register counters for thieves to grab and run.
  • Rather than carrying everything with you at once, consider making periodic trips to your vehicle and promptly securing them in the trunk.
  • Have your keys ready to quickly get into the car on departure and immediately lock the doors.

Also, Suffolk police have been investigating a rash of package thefts from people’s homes. Thieves ride by a home (or, perhaps, follow along behind delivery drivers) and see where packages have been left on porches or other easily accessible areas, and they have been stealing those packages from areas around the city.

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Following are some tips from police to avoid having your last-minute Christmas deliveries put at risk:

  • Require a signature before the carrier can leave the package.
  • Work with a neighbor who is home to have the package delivered to their residence.
  • When you place an order, keep an eye on tracking information so that you know when delivery may occur so that you can be there to accept the package.

And finally, anyone who has information about the recent thefts or other crimes — related to the holiday or not — is asked to call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Callers to Crime Line never have to give their names or appear in court, and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.