A Weekly Note from Mayor Gary L. Graham
“Traditional Values, Progressive Thinking”
With the Christmas holidays just around the corner, many of us are scurrying to make gift purchases for our loved ones. During this very busy time of year we are sometimes not as aware of our surroundings as we should be, and unfortunately, we become easy targets for criminals. This week’s column is devoted to providing you with some safety tips to follow during the holiday season. Following these tips will help make your holidays safe and happy.
If you are shopping at stores and malls:
· Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
· Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers by not overburdening yourself with packages.
· Dress comfortably and casually and be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put your wallet in an inside coat, front pants pocket or a zipped pocket.
· Never leave your purse in a shopping cart or on a counter while you pay for your purchases. When using public restrooms, use extreme caution. Try to avoid putting your purse on hooks or door handles.
· Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Bring just one credit or debit card. Be careful about leaving your credit cards out. There are criminals trained in memorization of card numbers and names during those few seconds you are at the cash register.
· Park your car as close to your destination as possible and in a well-lighted space. Be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk. If you take packages to the car and plan to return to the store or mall, drive your car to a new location within the parking lot.
· When returning to your auto (or home), have your keys in your hand, ready to open the door. Stay alert and don’t allow yourself to become distracted.
· Before entering your vehicle, carefully check the front and rear seats and floors for anyone that may be hiding there. Lock your doors immediately after entering the vehicle.
· Try to shop with friends or relatives. There is safety in numbers.
· Shopping with children? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
If you are shopping online:
· Shop with known, reputable firms.
· Confirm phone numbers and addresses so you have another way to contact the company should something go wrong.
· Provide personal information sparingly. Online vendors do not need your Social Security number or driver’s license number.
· Only use secure servers. Look for an unbroken key or padlock at the bottom of the browser window and a URL that begins with https, not just http.
· Make sure you understand all shipping charges, taxes and delivery dates. Schedule deliveries when you can be home, arrange for deliveries to your business, or set up a time that you can pick up the package from the delivery service.
If a stranger comes to the door, beware:
· Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. It is not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others’ generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there is no charity involved.
· Ask for identification and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren’t satisfied, don’t give. Instead, help a charitable organization you know and like.
If you are out for the evening:
· Turn on a light and a radio or TV so it looks like someone is home.
· Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even it it’s only for a few minutes.
· Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside.
If you are traveling:
· Get an automatic timer for your lights.
· Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time.
· Don’t forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it’s a sure sign you are gone.
The safety of our residents and their loved ones is very important to me and by working together we can make sure that everyone remains safe this holiday season. The strong working relationship between City Hall and the residents we serve is yet another example of why O’Fallon is such a great community in which to live.
| 
