MPD Offers Holiday Safety Tips

Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it's an opportune time for crime.

If you are traveling…

• Get an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home and collect your mail and newspaper delivery.
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows, and don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

If you are shopping…

• Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you. Be extra careful with purses and wallets.
• Be sure to hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk of your car.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• If you’re shopping with kids, teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
• Although it’s cold, NEVER leave your vehicle running while you run inside a store—even if for only a minute or two.