National property crime rates tend to rise each year between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. As many families begin shopping for gifts and taking trips, here are some tips to help prevent burglary and theft during the holidays.
We suggest that the acronym "MAP" -- which stands for Minimize, Awareness, and Planning -- is key to safely navigating through the season.
Tips for applying MAP successfully include:
Minimize access to yourself, your belongings, and your home:
* Lock all windows and doors at home and in vehicles.
* Keep valuables out of public view at all times.
* If making multiple shopping trips, lock purchases in the trunk
instead of leaving them on the seats.
* Trim shrubbery around doors, windows, and vehicles.
* Keep computer bags, backpacks, and purses closed and secured
to the body.
* Shop with friends and only during daylight hours.
Awareness of surroundings and belongings:
* Park in a well-lit, highly visible area.
* Make a note of where the vehicle is parked; upon return, scan the
area while approaching the vehicle.
* If shopping alone, stay in populated well-lit public places.
* Do not shop in unfamiliar areas.
* Sign up for delivery notifications for packages sent home or to the
office.
Plan ahead:
* Keep a list of credit cards and phone numbers for credit
companies in a safe place at home.
* Only carry what's needed for the day.
* Set up meeting times and locations for group members to
reconvene if planning to separate.
* Plan the day before leaving the house and make sure someone
else knows the plans as well.
* Create an emergency plan with children in case they get lost;
practice it at home before leaving.
