SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department wants everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season, and the well-wishes come with a reminder to stay safe and protect yourself from crime.
“It’s about paying attention to your surroundings, paying attention to what you’re doing. Slow down a second. Make sure you’re being safe. Make sure that you’re securing your items. Don’t become an easy victim,” said Det. Greg Wilking, SLCPD. “The Christmas tree looks great with all those packages underneath it and it looks wonderful framed up in your front room. But, in reality, that’s an invitation to a criminal to say ‘I’m gonna go in there and get a bunch of brand new items.'”
Home safety
• Lock your doors and windows if you are going out, no matter how short a period of time you will be gone.
• Keep gifts away from areas, such as windows, where they can be seen by outside travelers.
• Use a peep-hole when someone comes to your door. Never let anyone into your home that you do not know.
Traveling out of town
• Stop your mail or newspaper service.
• Have your walks shoveled.
• Ask family or a neighbor to check on your house.
Shopping
• When carrying a purse, hold it close to your body. Always carry a wallet in an inside coat or front pant pocket, never a back pant pocket.
• Stay in well-lit areas and on heavily traveled streets. Avoid routes that take you through dark, vacant areas.
• When shopping, try to go with family or friends.
Vehicle
• Do not leave packages unattended in your car unless locked in the trunk.
Scams and online shopping
• Before donating make sure that you know about the charity.
• If solicited by an individual, offer food or other non-monetary donations.
• If you shop online and have packages shipped to your home, always make sure someone is there to receive them or ship them to you work address.
Download the SLCPD Holiday Safety brochure and review many other preventive measures to keep the holiday season safe.
