ALTOONA – ’Tis the season for tinsel, trees and opportunistic thieves, says UPMC Altoona police.
Thieves, police said, take advantage of harried shoppers, travelers and other holiday season revelers, but it’s possible to stay safe with a few crime-busting habits:
- Be cautious when opening your door to those collecting donations door-to-door. Before opening your door ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used before you donate.
- While shopping, park in a well-lighted space and be sure to lock the car, close the windows and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers by putting your wallet in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket and carrying a purse close to your body.
- Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard if you become separated while shopping.
- When away from home, turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone is home.
- Lock doors and windows when you leave, even if just for a few minutes.
- If you will be away for several days, stop mail, newspaper and other deliveries. Set automatic timers for lights
- While traveling, pack light and keep luggage with you or give only to authorized personnel. Carry only the credit cards and ATM cards you need.
- Make sure everyone in your party has the name, address and phone number of the place you will stay and carries that information at all times.
- Never leave a room key unattended where it could be picked up by a stranger, such as at a restaurant or pool.
- Never leave your room unlocked. Insist everyone carries a room key.
- When traveling, lock your vehicle at all times, especially at gas stations, rest areas and other public facilities.
