The holiday season is once again upon us.  Don't let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers, or pickpockets a chance to do thier dirty work.  Criminals love the holidays as much as everyone else, chiefly because it's a perfect opportunity to commit a crime.  The Grafton Police Department and the National Crime Prevention Council asks you to keep these tips in mind for a safe and happy holiday season.  (For more information, go to www.ncpc.org.)

 

If you're traveling...

  •  Set an automatic timer for your lights.
  • ASk your neighbor to watch your home, shovel the walks,pick up newspapers, collect mail, and park in the driveway from time to time.
  • Be sure to hide any gifts that may be left in the house while your're gone.
  • If you are expecting packages, leave a note asking the carrier (UPS, Federal Express, USPS etc) to not leave packages if you will not be home.  Advise them to leave you a notice and you will pick up the packages from their facility. 

If you're out for the evening....

  • Turn on the lights and radio or the TV so that it appears that someone is home. 
  • Lock all doors and windows while you're out, even if you'll be gone for just a few minutes.
  • Do not place packages or gifts near windows or in other high-visibility sites. 

If you're shopping....

  • Don't let your guard down just because you are rushing.
  • Stay alert and be aware of everything around you at all times.
  • Park in well-lighted spaces and as close to the store as possible, lock your car doors and hide packages in the trunk or under the seats. 
  • Do not carry large amounts of cash, pay with a check or credit card if possible.  Carry only the credit cards you intend to use and leave the others behind.
  • Make sure that you do not carry all your packages at the same time.
  • Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps.  Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
  • If you take your children shopping, teach them to go a police officer, a store security guard or a store cashier if they get seperated or lost.

If you're Shopping Online....

  • Before you begin shopping online, secure your computer by updating your security software.  Every computer should have anitvirus software, antispyware, and anti-span software as well as a good firewall.  Firewalls and antivirus software are the first line of defense.  They help keep your computer safe and secure. 
  • Keep your personal information private and your password secure.  Don't respond to any requests to "verify" your pasword or credit card information unless you initiated the contact.  Legitimate businesses won't ask for this information. 
  • Beware of bargains from unfamiliar companies.  if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
  • Use secure websites for purchases.  Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the botton of the screen or"https" in the URL address.  They indicate that you are dealing with a secure website. 
  • Shop with companies you know and trust.  Check a company's background if you're not familiar with it. 
  • Donate to charities online only if you have investigated the charity.  Be sure that the charity's site is secure or make your donation through the mail.
  • Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.  Also, make sure you know all the rules and policies of these sites. 

When you're at home....

  • Turn on outside lights to deter burglars.
  • Make sure your homeowners (or renters) insurance is up-to-sate and everything is inventoried properly. 
  • Report any suspicious behavior to the Grafton Police Department at 508-839-5343.

Happy Holidays from the Grafton Police Department