I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays to you. During this time of year we often get very busy rushing around, trying to get gifts for everyone. We are in and out of stores, walking across parking lots, and bustling down city streets. Maybe we are a bit more trusting during this time of year. We are in the spirit of giving. We may not be aware of what is going on around us. The bad guy/girl does not share that same spirit of giving, in fact it is quite the opposite. They have the spirit of taking. You may say, “It won’t happen to me,” “I’m tough, I won’t get victimized,” “I am always careful”. Trying to pay attention to every little detail must seem a bit daunting. The bad guy is looking for a soft target. They do not want to work very hard for what they want. Remember in past articles I wrote about what the bad guy needs to make you a victim. He/She needs, The Ability, The Desire, and The Opportunity. Unfortunately most people give them exactly what they need to victimize you. We can’t do anything about his/her ability or desire, but we can control the opportunity. We can be harder targets. So be a scrooge to the criminal, don’t allow them the opportunity. Do not let them steal, rob, or hurt you. Follow some of these simple ways for you to take away the opportunity for you to be a victim.
• Never give your credit card number over the telephone to anyone when you did not initiate the call. Be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company when ordering merchandise over the telephone.
• If you are shopping online, be sure to use a secure browser, keep your personal information private and shop with companies you know are reputable. Do not give out your Social Security number, e-mail address, telephone number, or address unless you know who is collecting the information, why they are collecting it and how they will use it. Save all transaction information, including e-mails and records of any phone conversations.
• Don’t “flash” large amounts of money in public. You never know who is watching! Also, spread your money around in different pockets. That way a pickpocket can’t clean you out in one fell swoop.
• If you go to an automatic teller machine, try to go during the daylight hours. If you must go at night, pick a machine that is well-lighted and visible to passing traffic, or inside a grocery or convenience store. If anyone is lurking near the machine, pass it up and find another.
• When dining out valet parking is nice, but don’t be too lax. Don’t leave any personal items in your vehicle and never leave your house key with the attendant. Just by using a little planning and some good common sense, most holiday crimes can be avoided.
Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be wary of burglars, thieves, pickpockets, and other holiday Grinches. Nothing can ruin the holiday spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime.
• Remember, whether you are leaving the house to go shopping, or out for an evening of parties, lock your doors and windows! Don’t leave the drapes open with your presents in plain view. Presents displayed around your tree can be a pretty sight, but can also be quite tempting to burglars. It’s better to scatter the gifts around the house, in closets or cupboards, where they can’t be easily seen.
• If you choose to have a live tree, make sure it is always properly watered. Never leave tree lights on when no one is at home. Remember, ornaments can also burn.
• If you are leaving town for the holidays, make sure your home appears occupied. Leave inside and outside lights on timers and have your neighbors pick up newspapers, mail, and take flyers off your door. Ask neighbors to park in your driveway. Put a timer on a talk radio station (WLOB) for several hours a day.
• Don’t put out empty boxes advertising your new purchases (DVRs, stereos, gaming systems, etc.). Break the boxes down and deposit them in your trash, recycle bin or a dumpster away from your home.
• When you’re shopping, use the trunk of your car to keep your packages out of sight. Keep your car locked at all times. Be sure and make several trips to your car to deposit packages in the trunk. Don’t allow yourself to become so burdened down with packages that you become a tempting target.
• When walking through parking lots be sure that you are aware of your surroundings. Walk with authority. Don’t look like a victim!
• If you have a garage door opener, do not leave the control openly displayed in your car. Keep the door leading from your house to your garage locked. Try not to leave your garage door open at any time.
• Be aware that thieves and pickpockets also do some of their biggest business during the holiday season. Ladies, don’t dangle your handbag from your shoulder. You are creating a perfect setup for a purse-snatcher. Instead, keep your purse tucked tightly under your arm. Better yet, don’t even carry a purse.
• Place your checkbook, cash, or credit cards in your front pockets. Avoid carrying your checkbook, cash, and credit cards all together in one wallet, because if a thief gets the whole package together, they can cash checks with your identification and run up a large credit card bill in a short amount of time.
We can be harder targets. So be a scrooge to the criminal, don’t allow them the opportunity. Do not let them steal, rob, or hurt you. Enjoy your family and friends. Be filled with the spirit of Christmas and stay safe.
Michael Mercer Consulting, President
Bird’s Eye Technologies, Co-Founder/CEO
Maine Association of Police Retirees, President
International CPTED Association
Greater Portland Board of Realtors, Education Committee
MREMA Associate Member
michael@michaelmercerconsulting.com
207-699-8840
