The winter holidays are supposed to be the most joyous time of the year, but has become one of the most scary when your stuff has been stolen, dangerous when drivers drank too much spiked eggnog, or tense when you are travelling to warmer climes. To ensure you have a happy holiday, here are a few crime prevention and safety tips.
While shopping, never leave your purse or parcels unattended in a change room or shopping cart. If you do, it is incredibly easy for someone to slip by and snatch a few of your belongings. Should you wish to leave any items in your car, keep them in your trunk so they are out of sight.
When walking, either to your car or on your way home, do not overburden yourself with parcels as it makes you an easy target for muggers. Carry your purse and bags close to you, but never wrap them around your neck or wrist as you could be seriously injured should someone try to steal them from you.
For those who prefer online shopping, in the past, some Cobourg residents have been victims of theft with packages being stolen from porches and mailboxes. It is best to schedule deliveries for when you are home or add delivery instructions to leave your items elsewhere —such as out of sight at a back door. Better yet, do curb side pickup so you are supporting local businesses while still shopping from the safety of your home.
A lot of people enjoy putting Christmas trees in front of the living room window. It is usually an available space within the home, makes your house look like a Hallmark card, and also spreads the spirit of the season to passersby. However, thieves love when gifts are visible from outside as it indicates an easy hit. Keep all those presents hidden until Santa is set to arrive.
One of the biggest issues during the holiday season is driving. People are tired from all the festivities, frustrated with traffic, distracted by other things, often in a hurry, and the weather is not always great. These things lead to a lot of accidents on the road, so be sure to plan ahead, leave early, ensure everyone is buckled up, and keep focused only on your driving and other road users.
Most importantly, never get behind the wheel if you are not sober. When going to a celebration where you plan to drink, arrange to spend the night or have a designated driver. Even if you think you will no longer be tipsy by the time you leave, there is still alcohol in your bloodstream and could make your reactions slower. (Side note, if you want to avoid a bad hangover, only have an alcoholic beverage every other hour and sip something not-spiked in between.)
Should you be in an accident despite all precautions, it is best to keep an emergency preparedness kit in your car. This should include but is not limited to: a small shovel, an ice scraper/brush, a mobile phone charger, jumper cables, flashlight, traction mats or sand, winter clothing, a warm blanket, water and non-perishable food, windshield washer fluid, flares, and a first aid kit.
If you are going away for the holidays, even just visiting family for a couple of days, be sure to tell a trusted friend where you are going, the route you are taking, and when you are expected to return. Alternatively, never tell a stranger your travel plans or speak of your plans in front of strangers as anyone might use the opportunity to break into your home.
During your absence, arrange for your driveway and walkway to be cleared of snow, cancel or reroute any deliveries, and have a friend or neighbour collect your mail so it is not easily realized the house is empty. To help create the illusion someone is at home, use timers that activate the lights at various intervals. Or, simply, have a close friend or relative house-sit in your absence.
Whether you are out shopping or exploring your holiday destination, only carry what is strictly necessary –such as your credit/debit card and keys—and preferably in your pocket. Leave all your important documents locked up in a safe so that if you are robbed you don’t lose anything important or irreplaceable.