RECENT STORIES

City takes action to protect motel residents ( City Manager's Office )
Help make a youth’s holiday brighter this season ( Commerce City city manager )
Police Department investigates shooting at El Viva ( Commerce City Police )
Belle Creek highlighted for 'walkability' ( Joseph Kirchmer/YourHub.com )
Parents Unit Against Drugs and Gangs ( Larry Quintana )

share a story | more postings »

YourHub.com \\ Commerce City \\ Stories \\ Holidays \\ Christmas

Be safe when preparing for the holidays

e-mail to a friend | print this | link to this

Contributed by: Lanissa Blevens on 12/1/2006

Each year, the holiday decorations come out and the holiday shopping frenzy begins! It is the season of joy . . . and the time when criminals know you are most vulnerable. So, what are some things you can do to protect yourself as the holidays draw near?

First, when you are shopping, dining out, or any other time you might leave your vehicle unattended, you should remember to keep you car locked and all valuables out of site. This includes the perfectly wrapped presents and piles of shopping bags you just purchased. If the criminals cannot see valuables, they will be less likely to break into your vehicle.

When shopping, there are several precautions you can take to avoid being a victim. Park in a well-lit area and, if possible, go with family or friends. There are generally large crowds during the holiday shopping season so watch your children carefully. Finally, if, when returning to your vehicle, you feel nervous about anyone, don't be embarrassed to go back inside and request assistance.

Next, be wary of sales or prices from private individuals or internet businesses which appear to be "too good to be true." Criminals thrive on people who are gullible and willing to take chances. Your best bet: buy from reliable, established sources and be sure to do your research! This same bit of advice should also apply when donating to charitable organizations. Make sure they are reputable before dishing out any money.

Now that you are on your way to your in-laws home for a holiday party, you need to be sure your home is secure. Close and lock all windows and doors. This includes your garage door. Make sure it closes completely. Keep window coverings closed, so as to conceal any presents or other valuables which may be appealing to a criminal. Set a timer for lights, leave a light on, or leave your television on, so as to trick a "would-be" criminal into believing someone may be home.

Finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy the holidays with those you love and care about because, after all, that is what the holidays are supposed to be all about!
Lanissa Blevens is an officer with the Commerce City Police Department.

[Report this as objectionable content.]

SUBMIT COMMENT

Rate the above story

Talk Back : submit comments to the story

*Note: you need to log-in to add a comment or rating.

Thank you! Your comment has been updated.

CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

John Eisel

Denver , COLORADO

John Eisel has posted 2865 stories and 12 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. John Eisel's average story rating is 4.39.

view profile » view other postings from John Eisel »

SAVE AND SHARE THIS STORY

digg	Google
del.icio.us	Yahoo!
reddit	newsvine

What is this?

STORY RSS FEEDS

All stories

All stories in Commerce City

All stories by John Eisel

WANT TO WRITE FOR YOURHUB.COM?

Want to see the stories you write and the photos you shoot featured in the YourHub.com Thursday print section available all over the Front Range and with home subscriptions of the Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post? All you have to do is register, then post a story or column, start a blog or tell everyone what events are happening in town. We will print the best stories, columns, event listings, photos and blog entries in our print sections.

Loading Ad