Celebrate the holidays safely

This holiday season, the spirit of giving can lull one into giving burglars, muggers and pickpockets a better chance to do their dirty work. Crooks love the holidays, mainly because there’s more opportunity for crime.

The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Community Relations/Crime Prevention offers these tips on how to celebrate safely this holiday season:

When traveling

•Get an automatic timer for home interior lights.

•Ask a neighbor to watch the home, occasionally park in the driveway, and to pick up mail and newspapers to avoid accumulation.

When out for the evening:

•Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone’s home.

•Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when leaving.

•Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

When shopping

•Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on.

•Park in a well-lit space. Be sure to lock the car, close the windows and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk or out of sight.

•Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay with a check or debit or credit card whenever possible.

•Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard if they get lost.

To deter pickpockets

and purse snatchers

•Don’t be overburdened with packages. •Be extra careful with purses and wallets.

•Carry a purse close to the body, not dangling by the straps. Fanny packs are great.

•Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

If a stranger comes to the door, beware. Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. It’s not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others’ generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there’s no charity involved. Ask for identification and find out how the funds will be used. When in doubt, don’t give. Help a known charitable organization instead.

The holidays are a good time to update or create a home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items and list descriptions and serial numbers. If the home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file. Make sure things like TVs, VCRs, DVD players, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment and power tools are on the list.

Don’t let holiday stress get the best of the holiday spirit. Make time to be with family, friends and neighbors and to help someone who’s less fortunate or lonely.

Make the holidays a safe and happy time for everyone—except criminals.

For more information on personal safety, please call Dep. Shawn Brownell at (818) 8785506.