Holiday Safety Tips from the LCSO

It's that time of year again for our holiday safety reminders.  From shopping to parties, please take a few minutes and enjoy this with a cup of your favorite coffee.




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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