Holiday safety tips

The Fayetteville Police Department offers the following shopping and safety tips for the holiday season:

Shopping

Be alert of your surroundings.
Go shopping during the day, whenever possible. If shopping at night, go with another person.
Dress casually, comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
Be cautious when carrying a wallet or purse. They are often targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas. If possible, do not carry a purse or wallet.
Always carry your driver’s license or identification card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
Pay for purchases with a check or credit card whenever possible and try to keep cash in your front pocket.
Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to maintain clear visibility and freedom of movement to avoid mishaps.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con-artists might try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Be certain your vehicle is in good running condition and full of gas.
Avoid driving alone or at night, whenever possible.
If you have a cellular phone, make sure it is fully charged and operational.
Keep all car doors locked and windows closed when in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
If you must shop at night, park in a well-lit area.
Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
Never leave your vehicle’s motor running when unoccupied or with children inside.
Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or secure it out of sight.
Be sure to have your keys available prior to returning to your car.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and packages. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
When approaching or leaving your vehicle, always be aware of your surroundings.
Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area. Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a public location or a well-lit location.
Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

If possible, never leave small children at home alone.
Teach your children to go to a store clerk and ask for help if they happen to become separated from you.
Be certain your children know their full name, address and telephone number.
Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
Never allow children to make trips alone to the restroom.
Do not leave children alone in a vehicle.
Teach children to inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

Secure all doors and windows when you leave the house, even if for only a few minutes.
When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
Consider signing up for a free house check done by officers with the Fayetteville Police Department or check with your local law enforcement agency to see if there is a similar service available.
Indoor lighting should be on an automatic timer. Consider the use of dusk to dawn or motion activated exterior lights.
Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.