Holiday
Safety Tips
The Memphis Police Department wants you to have a safe holiday season.
That is why we are listing some important hints online that we hope you
will find helpful during the holidays.
REMEMBER: In the event you need police
assistance please call
545-2677(COPS) for non-emergencies OR
call 911 for emergencies.
"Stow It -
Don't Show It!"
Thefts from
Vehicles can be Prevented!
Click on the
brochure below
to learn how
to
"Stow It -
Don't Show It!"
Shopping
Shop during daylight hours
whenever possible.
If you must shop at night, go
with a friend or family member.
Dress casually and comfortably.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
Do not carry a purse or wallet,
if possible.
Always carry your Tennessee
Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash,
checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
Even though you are rushed and
thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
Avoid carrying large amounts of
cash.
Pay for purchases with a check
or credit card when possible.
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.
Be extra careful if you do carry
a wallet or purse. They are
the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas,
transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
Try to be discreet when locking
your purse or other valuables in the trunk of your vehicle. If
possible, lock your purse in the trunk before you arrive at your
shopping destination - and carry your money or credit cards in your
pocket. You never know who might be watching you.
Avoid overloading yourself with
packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of
motion to avoid mishaps.
Beware of strangers approaching
you for any reason.
At this time of year,
"con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you
with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
Children
If
possible, leave small children at home with a trusted
babysitter.
Teach your child to go to a store clerk and
ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
Teach children to stay close to you at all
times while shopping.
Never allow children to make unaccompanied
trips to the restroom.
Children should never be allowed to go to
the car alone and they should never be left alone in the
car.
Teach children their full name, address and
telephone number to give to police officers or mall
security.
Teach children to immediately inform you if
a stranger is bothering them.
Automated Teller
Machine (ATM)
If
you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a
convenience store, mall, or other well-lighted 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.
At Home
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when
you leave the house, even for 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.
Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds
occupied.
Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through
the windows and doors of your home.
When
setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure
doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so
children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on
themselves.
If you use lights on your Christmas tree, ensure the wiring
is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a
fire.
Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it
green.
Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.
After the packages have all been opened remember to either
bag your empty boxes in dark garbage bags or break them down and
place them in your garbage cans before you place them on the
curb. That way you will not advertise to burglars that you just
received a new TV, computer, or other expensive gift.
Strangers
at Your Door
Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering
gifts.
It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the
generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations
door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds
will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
Donate to a recognized charitable organization.
Operation Identification
The goal of Operation Identification is to deter
property-related crime
and to assist the Memphis Police Department in their efforts to find and
return stolen or lost property to its rightful owner. To participate in
Operation Identification just purchase an engraver at any
hardware store to mark your property so that if it is stolen it
can be traced back to you.
Remember the following:
Mark items - especially
electronics - with your Tennessee
Driver License or Identification Card number.
Do not use your Social
Security Number.
For items that cannot be
marked with an engraver, photograph or videotape the items.
Driving
Avoid driving alone or at night.
Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while 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-lighted area.
Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with
tinted windows.
Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of
where you parked.
Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with
children inside.
Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This
creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the
car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put
them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
When approaching and leaving your vehicle 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.
Preventing Larcenies
from Vehicles
The
Memphis Police Department is requesting for all citizens and visitors throughout the city to assist the Police Department in
making our communities safer where people can live, work, worship and play.
Our mission is to provide and promote crime prevention education,
training and support to improve the quality of life in the City of
Memphis.
Reducing
the opportunity for a crime to be committed is imperative.
In an attempt to alleviate this problem and reduce the
possibilities of larceny
from vehicles the Memphis Police Department
makes the following suggestions:
·
Never
leave valuables in your car unattended (particularly electronic goods
such as cellular phones and laptop computers).
·
Keep
your windows closed tightly and doors locked.
·
Consider
the installation of anti-theft devices such as alarm systems.
·
If
you have a car alarm, be sure that the warning light is visible.
·
Before
entering your vehicle, always check the interior, paying particular
attention to the floor and rear seat.
·
Park
in well-lit areas close to stores or other areas that are visible.
·
Do
not leave bags exposed in your car.
·
If
you must lock items in the trunk, do it before reaching your
destination; people are always watching.
Remember:
Larcenies are crimes of opportunity that occur primarily when property
is left unlocked or in unattended areas.
