Crime Tip of the Month

October is Domestic Violence Month

Driving

• Avoid driving alone or at night.
• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car.
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
• Do not leave packages on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves.
• When approaching and leaving your vehicle be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
• Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

Shopping

• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert of your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

Children

• If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

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.
• When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
• Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
• If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
• Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
• Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.

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.

A recent study of property crimes, including home and vehicle burglaries, showed nearly half of the events involved unlocked doors or car drivers who left valuables in plain view without locking their doors. Many of these crimes, and the resulting losses to the victims, can be prevented with some simple, common sense actions on the part of all of us.

Here are a few crime prevention tips to help keep us from becoming the victim of a burglary or theft:

• Not every car burglar working a parking lot is easily spotted. Be wary of anyone who seems to be suspicious.
• Remember to always secure your car doors when parking your vehicle, even for just a few minutes. It takes just a matter of seconds to enter an unsecured vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables, such as purses, cell phones, portable radios, packages, etc. in plain view inside your vehicle. Secure them in a glove box, center console, or even better in the trunk. Thieves will search other vehicles that are easier targets if they do not see anything of value in your car.
• Park in well lighted areas at night. Light is an enemy of thieves.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked at night. Many burglaries to garages occur with doors left wide open. An open garage door is an invitation to a thief to take anything in sight.
• Be suspicious of anyone approaching your vehicle or roaming your neighborhood.
• Call the Villa Rica Police Department at (770) 459-5149 to report anyone you believe is suspicious in your neighborhood or a parking lot.

The Villa Rica Police Department recently launched an intensive public education and crime prevention program, "Lock It or Lose It", to remind citizens that many property crimes can be prevented by simply locking home doors, garage doors, windows, and vehicle doors.