Take these common-sense precautions to protect your property and ensure safe holiday travels

By Aubrey Vogel, CSPD Social Media Intern

The holidays are a season of joy and love for many of us, but it’s also a time for criminals to take advantage of unwary citizens. Keep your family and property safe by taking common-sense precautions and reporting suspicious activities to the police.

Don’t Provide Easy Targets

Your car and home can become easy targets for burglars looking for holiday gifts. When shopping, remember to hide your valuables and park in well-lit places. Whether you’re out and about or at home, lock, take, and hide Christmas presents and personal belongings. Some people even set an alarm each night as a reminder to check that their vehicles are secured.

Here are some other smart tips to make your home less of a target:

• Keep gifts away from large windows or glass doors where passersby can see into your home.
• Keep porch and driveway lights on to deter criminals from lurking in the shadows and checking out your belongings.
• Beware of porch pirates looking for an easy grab of delivered packages when you’re not home. It’s a good idea to have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your deliveries when you’re away. 
• After opening gifts, don’t leave the box from your shiny new TV on PS5 on the curb. Instead of advertising your valuables to the bad guys, break the boxes down and put them in your recycle bin or take them to a recycling facility.

You should also be vigilant about online deceptions. If the deal seems too good to be true, it may be a scam. Check out the legitimacy of websites and sellers before purchasing anything from an unfamiliar person or website.

Travel Safely

Defensive driving is always wise, but it’s especially urgent when roads are packed with shoppers and travelers during the holidays. Be aware of your surroundings and give your undivided attention to the road. And don’t forget that it’s illegal to use a mobile device while driving in College Station. 

If you’re headed to a holiday party where alcohol is served, plan for a ride home or secure a designated driver, Uber, or Lyft. Police are constantly working to keep drunk drivers off the roads, so everyone makes it home safe.

One final thought: Don’t forget to take care of your pets when the weather turns cold — pets need to stay warm, too.

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