The Holidays are a special and joyous time of year.
It is also a time to be especially alert to the possibility of crime. As the holiday season draws near and our days get busier, we need to take extra care and precautions to avoid becoming victims of crime. The holiday season should be a time of great joy as we celebrate and share gifts with our friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, it can be a time when crime becomes more prevalent. Criminals love the holidays as much as everyone else, but mainly because it's an opportune time for crime.

Statistics nationwide reveal that people are especially vulnerable to burglary, theft and other crime during the hectic holiday season. The Union County Police would like to offer the following safety tips to help you and your family avoid becoming crime victims. Taking an extra measure of safety precaution could make this season of holidays safer and happier.

Remember: Dial 911
in the event of any Police, Fire or Medical emergency.

Holiday Shopping Safety

• Even though you are hustling and bustling around, stay alert to your surroundings. Walk confidently with your head up and stay in well- lighted and well-traveled areas.

• Pay attention to people walking in front of you and behind you. Particular attention is essential when you are in crowded areas, such as stores and malls that are filled with holiday shoppers. Places with large crowds are favorites for thieves and pickpockets.

• 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. Make sure purses are closed and fastened. Put wallets in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

• When using public washrooms and store dressing rooms, you are very vulnerable to a thief, try to avoid putting your purse on hooks or door handles.

• Coordinate shopping trips with a friend or relative.

• Be as discreet as possible with your carried cash. Whenever possible use credit cards or checks instead of cash. Never carry large amounts of money.

• If your shopping with the kids, teach them to go immediately to a store clerk or a security guard if you get separated. Children should never be permitted to go to the parking lot by themselves or stay in the car alone. Young children should be closely supervised and monitored at all times.

• When arriving at the mall, attempt to park close to entrance doors and in a well-lighted area. Always close your car windows and lock the doors.

Need a gift idea?

How about
a gift basket
that contains
one or more
of the following:

• Smoke detector and batteries

• Fire extinguisher

• Flashlight & batteries

• First-aid kit

• Cell phone

• Cars can be easy targets for criminals. Store all gifts and packages in the trunk. This also applies to car phones, purses and briefcases. Nothing of value to you should be left in plain view.

• When returning to your car, have your key ready, avoid fumbling with your packages. Stay alert for anyone lingering in the area. If you have suspicions return to the store and request an escort. Lock your car doors immediately after entering.

• Also, if you take packages to your car and plan on returning to the store or mall, it is advisable to drive your car to a new location in the parking lot. Criminals may be on the lookout for unsuspecting holiday shoppers who simply drop their purchases into the trunk and return to keep shopping.

• Use caution at ATM machines. Try to use them during daylight hour.

If you're out for the evening

• Turn on some lights and a radio or TV so it appears that someone is home.

• Unplug holiday decorative lights before going out for the evening.

• Lock all doors and windows when you leave, even if it's only for a few minutes.

• Do not display gifts through your living room window.

Holiday Home Safety & Security

• If traveling over the holidays, use automatic timers for lights and appliances to give the appearance of occupancy. Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow and park in your driveway from time to time. Don't forget your mail and newspaper deliveries.

• Avoid displaying gifts and presents where they can be seen from the outsideof your home. After presents are opened, don't let your outdoor trash receptacles announce your new acquisitions. Record serial and model numbers of gifts as soon as you receive them.

• Protect your holiday mail, empty your mailbox as soon as possible.

• Be a good neighbor, call police if you observe people knocking on doors in your neighborhood without legitimate reasons.

• If a stranger comes to your door...beware. Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. It's not uncommon for the unscrupulous to take advantage of the generosity of others during the holidays by soliciting door-to-door for non-existent charities.

Holiday Decorations

Each year about 1,300 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to holiday lights and trimmings. Christmas trees are involved in about 500 fires annually, resulting in an average of $20 million in property loss and damage each year. It is urged that you look for and eliminate potential danger from holiday lights and trimmings that could lead to fires and injuries.

• Monitor young children around Christmas trees. Garland, tinsel and other decorations can be potentially dangerous to small children. Many decorations can create a choking hazard if swallowed. Such ornaments should be placed high on the tree, out of the reach of little hands.

• Consider an artificial tree, they are much safer and cleaner. If purchasing one, look for the label "Fire Resistant". This type of tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. When setting it up at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators, out of the way of household traffic, do not block doorways or hallways.

• All lights should be tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Use no more than 3 light sets linked together. Check each set for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Do not attempt repairs, replace damaged light sets.

• Use only outdoor lights outside your home. Never use indoor extension cords outside. Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls or firm supports. Use only insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Special hooks for hanging outdoor decorations are available at local hardware stores.

• Point outdoor light sockets down to avoid moisture build-up.

• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near evergreens. Place candles in areas where they will not be knocked down. Don't forget to extinguish them.

• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

• Use this season as an opportunity to install additional smoke detectors or replace the batteries in the ones that you have.

While at Work

• Lunchtime shopping is common, secure your purchases in a safe place and take everything home at the end of the day.

• Keep your purse or wallet with you or locked securely in your desk drawer or workstation.

• Employees should be alert for people who try to take advantage of the holiday spirit in the workplace. Often employees are not as focused on office tasks as usual. If you see unauthorized persons in places where they should not be, notify your supervisor or your security personnel.