East Pikeland Police Issue Holiday Safety Tips

The following holiday safety tips were posted by the East Pikeland Police Department.

The holiday season is upon us, and the East Pikeland Township Police urge holiday shoppers to exercise vigilance and caution during the busy shopping season. It is also the season when thieves are frequently on the prowl. With the goal of preventing criminal activity and protecting holiday shoppers, Officers will increase visibility Township wide with stepped up patrols in shopping centers and malls.

The first line of defense is to reduce your own vulnerability and do what you can to minimize the possibility that you could be a victim of crime. Officers offer the following safety tips to help contribute to the safety and security of our communities during the holiday season.

Staying Safe While Shopping:

• Park in high visibility and well lit areas. Lock your car and take your keys.
• Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. Move to and from your vehicle with confidence and "purpose". Have keys ready before getting to your car so you do not have to search for them while standing near it. Criminals choose the victim who looks like the easiest target.
• Shop with a friend, there is safety in numbers.
• Use credit/debit cards and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Credit cards offer convenience and security, however, keep track of all cards and keep receipts to compare to your monthly statement
• Keep purse close to your body at all times and keep wallet in your front pocket.
• Be extremely careful using ATM machines. Use them in populated places and pay attention to your surroundings.
• Do not leave purchased items visible in the car-leave them in the trunk.
• Report suspicious people or activity immediately.

Keeping Your Home Safe:

• Keep the outside of your home well lit with doors and windows locked.
• Keep gifts hidden from view through outside windows of your residence.
• After opening gifts, break down the boxes of expensive electronics or other gifts and dispose of in a non-clear garbage bag to hide the fact that you have valuable items in the home.
• Valuable items, such as televisions, stereos, and computers should be inscribed with an identifying number unique to its owner
• If you will be traveling notify our department and be listed on our residential vacation check.
• Do not leave trash cans in front of the house
• Stop mail and newspapers
• Have lights on timers
• Activate your home security alarm
• Ask a trusted neighbor to tend the yard, shovel the snow, and watch your home when you are away or have a trusted friend or relative house sit in your absence. This person could also move your vehicle to different parking spots.

The Christmas holiday is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The East Pikeland Township Police will have an increased number of Officers patrolling to ensure that everyone is driving with care, and will be offering assistance to motorists in need. Officers will be targeting aggressive and impaired drivers.

Travel Safety Tips:

• Do not drink and drive! Have a Designated Driver
• Buckle up and make sure all occupants are properly restrained
• Be aware of weather and road conditions
• Drive the speed limit – Slow Down and Save a Life
• Keep all doors locked while riding in your car
• Minimize distractions and slow down
• Report aggressive or impaired drivers