Holiday tips to help keep you safe

With the holidays approaching, I wanted to offer some security tips to help keep everyone safe.

When you shop at the mall, try to get all your purchases at once rather than making repeated trips to and from your vehicle. Otherwise, it provides thieves an opportunity to do a quick smash and grab when they know your vehicle is full of gifts.

Also, when you are shopping, be careful carrying large amounts of cash as that could make you a target for theft. As most people use credit or debit cards, always keep track of transactions and keep receipts for everything.

When buying online, it’s even more important to only use a trusted site or store, otherwise you could be vulnerable to fraudulent charges or people stealing your information. If you are expecting a lot of deliveries, try to always have someone home to accept them rather than leaving them outside until you return as this provides an opportunity for people to steal them. If you can’t be there to receive your deliveries, you might prefer to have your items delivered to a courier depot instead.

If you suspect any suspicious or fraudulent activity on your cards, report this immediately to your banking institution, even if it means putting a hold on your card until you are comfortable that everything is ok.

If you buy gift cards for people, it’s better to buy them directly from the store where they can be used, rather than at grocery or convenience stores because should there be a problem it will be easier to get assistance.

If you have your Christmas tree near a window, it’s best to store your presents in a spare room so no one can see them on display around the tree, leading to the chance of a break-in to steal the gifts.

Once gifts are opened, don’t let empty boxes sit in your garbage/recycling as this will also let potential thieves know what valuables may be in the home. Wait until garbage day to throw out boxes.

During the holidays many people may go away for several days. If you do, try to find someone to look after your house. Even if they don’t stay at your place, have them do irregular check-ins so your home often appears to be occupied.

If you are driving a long distance to visit friends and family, make sure you have a winter kit in your car with warm clothing for everyone in the vehicle.

Happy holidays everyone and all the best for the new year.

STAY SAFE

Scott Smith is the owner of Smith Protection Services, and specializes in women’s self defence courses and child safety seminars. Scott can be reached at: smithprotectiondefense@ yahoo.com