Shopping
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member and park in an area with adequate lighting.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
- Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
- Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
- Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
- Be sure to locate your keys before going to your car.
- Remain aware of your surroundings at all times and move to and from your vehicle with confidence and "purpose.”
- Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and shopping bags. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
- Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
Online Shopping
- Links in emails, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often how criminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, it’s best to delete it.
- Don’t share personal or financial information over an unsecured network (a connection that doesn’t require a password for access). Using the direct cellular access on your phone is safer than an unsecured wireless network when on your mobile device.
- Make sure the site you are ordering from is legitimate. This includes a closed padlock on your web browser’s address bar or a URL address that begins with a http or https. This indicates that the purchase is encrypted or secured.
- Use safe payment options. Credit cards are generally the safest option because they allow buyers to seek a credit from the issuer if the product isn’t delivered or isn’t what was ordered. Never send cash through the mail or use a money-wiring service.
- Keep a paper trail. Save records of your online transactions. Read your credit card statements as soon as you get them to make sure there aren’t any unauthorized charges. If there is a discrepancy, call your bank and report it immediately.
At Home
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
- When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
- Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
- Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
- Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
- Create an up-to-date home inventory including make, model, serial numbers, other detailed descriptions, and photographs of items of value (including jewelry). This inventory should be kept somewhere safe.
- Lock your vehicles when parked at your residence. Do not leave any items in plain view that would entice a suspect to break in.
- Contact the Lee County Sheriff's Office (919-775-5531) to request extra patrols of your residence while you are out of town.
Strangers at Your Door
- Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
- It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
- Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
- Donate to a recognized charitable organization.
After You've Opened the Gifts
- Avoid becoming an easy target for post-holiday burglars by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items by the curb or other garbage pick-up locations.
- Break down any boxes you are throwing out, put them in garbage bags and place them inside a trash can.
- Think about keeping broken-down boxes inside until the evening before your regular garbage pick-up. Some burglars actually look inside garbage cans for evidence of holiday gifts.
Celebrate Responsibly
Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road. Anyone with a BAC of .08 or higher is in violation of NC law and may go to jail. The risk isn’t worth it. If you choose to drink alcohol at a party, don't drive. Take a cab, UBER, public transportation or a designated driver. Celebrate responsibly.
Electrical Safety
Here is a great resource for those holiday electrical safety questions!
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