Nov. 17, 2011

Everyone is looking forward to the holidays, and the Phoenix Police Department wants to help make sure this season is enjoyable and safe for everyone!

Here are some tips to help our residents keep safe.

Holiday Shopping

• If at all possible, never shop alone. There is safety in numbers.
• If shopping at night, always park in well lighted areas and park as close to the business as possible.
• When leaving the business and approaching the parking lot, have your car keys ready, keep your hands clear and put your purchases away as soon as possible. Do not linger in the parking lot, drive away immediately.
• If accosted in a parking lot, run if at all possible and do whatever you can to attract attention (scream, blow a whistle, or honk your horn). If you cannot escape, do not resist the attacker; normally the suspect only wants your property. Criminals will often use a ruse of some type to get a potential victim to stop in the parking lot, making him or her more vulnerable to attack.
• Citizens should report suspicious person(s) and activity to store personnel or the police immediately; especially if you are approached by anyone.
• Remember: No material item is worth serious injury or the loss of a life!
• If at all possible, major/long term shopping with children should be avoided.  If you must shop with your children, please remember they are easily distracted and, “in the blink of an eye”, they can get away from you! Keep them close at all times, especially in parking lots.
• Do not leave your purchases in your vehicle.  Criminals are on the look-out for easy theft opportunities.

Holiday Safety at Home

This is the time of year when we spend a lot of time visiting family and friends, and hosting holiday gatherings. Unfortunately, these festive occasions often invite opportunities for negligence and crime. Please keep these safety tips in mind as we celebrate the holiday season:

• Know where your children are at all times! Children will be out playing in the great winter weather we have here in Arizona. Driveway accidents are on the rises and, as we come and go, it is important that we pay attention while entering and leaving driveways and traveling on neighborhood streets. And, please don’t forget about those swimming pools!
• Often times we leave our homes unsecured as friends and families come and go. Just as often, we forget to secure all of our doors and windows after entertaining. Take care to secure all doors and windows not only when you are away from home, but even as you sleep.
• You should avoid leaving those empty wrappings and boxes outside your home before your scheduled rubbish pick up. This seemingly harmless action tells would be criminals what you got for Christmas and they just might be encouraged to break in and take your holiday cheer. Rubbish should be placed outside no sooner than the evening before pick up, and preferably the morning of.
• Be wary of solicitors and those who would impersonate utility and other business employees. As always, do not open your door for any stranger who arrives at your home unscheduled!
• Visit phoenix.gov/police for more information about the department, services and programs.

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