Holiday Safety Tips

With the upcoming holidays quickly approaching, the North Bay Village Police Department reminds everyone to make a conscious effort to take precautions for their own safety. The following are some tips that can be used to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday:

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Carry only your credit cards, debit cards, checks, and driver’s licenses. If you carry a purse do not wrap it around your arms or shoulders, you could risk injury from a would-be assailant.
• Do not carry wallets in back pockets.
• Park in well-lighted areas so you can see your vehicle from as far away as possible. Always lock all doors whether you are in or out of your car. Be mindful of where you park your car to avoid hesitation when returning.
• Shop with a friend; there is safety in numbers. Be alert of your surroundings and the people near you.
• When possible place all shopping bags in a plain non-descript bag; shopping bags from “High End” stores with names or logos are advertisements for thieves looking to steal “High End” merchandise.
• Avoid going back and forth to your vehicle and leaving shopping bags/property in the car unattended.
• Have keys readily available when returning to your car. Ask Security personnel to escort you to your car if you are uncomfortable walking alone.
• Glance in the back seat and under your vehicle before getting in.
• If you think you are being followed DO NOT go home; drive to the nearest police or fire station, a gas station, or a well-lighted place where there are people to help you.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL AND AT HOME

• Get an automatic timer(s) for your lights; give the appearance that your home is occupied.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, collect mail and newspapers or have the deliveries stopped.
• Have a neighbor park their car in your driveway.
• Do not leave keys hidden on your property; leave them with someone you trust and who will know how to get in contact with you.
• Make an inventory of the valuables you are taking.
• Make a copy of your itinerary, plane tickets, passports, credit cards, and travelers’ checks you are taking with you. Leave copies of these items with someone back home and your hotel room for easy access in case items are stolen.
• Keep the outside of your home well lighted with doors locked and curtains closed.
• After the holidays, do not advertise gifts received by the boxes left for garbage collection intact. Destroy boxes and place them in recycling containers.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

• Do Not drink and drive.
• If boating, remember to wear your life jackets if drinking is involved.
• Accidents on boats are more deadly than on land.
• Have your cell phone in case something goes wrong.
• Partying at home make sure to keep an eye on the little ones if drinking is involved.
• If using fireworks; have a bucket of water nearby in case something goes wrong.
• Remember pets are scared of loud noises and may react differently.
• NO FIRING GUNS; remember “what goes up, must come down”.

The North Bay Village Police Department through their continuing effort to provide the safest environment possible will have increased Police presence throughout the Holiday Season.

The North Bay Village Police Department would like to wish our Residents, Businesses, and Visitors a happy, safe, and peaceful holiday season!