HOUSTON — Just like you're watching for holiday sales, criminals are watching for you to let your guard down. They love to take advantage of the seasonal chaos and people's giving nature this time of year.
PREVENTION TIPS:
• Juggins: Be aware if you are being followed while making a big purchase or withdrawal from the bank.
• Porch Pirates: Use alternate delivery methods – many stores are now accepting packages from FedEx, Amazon, and UPS and will hold them until you pick them up.
• Burglary of a Motor Vehicle Prevention: Park in well-lit and high-traffic areas, travel light, and leave the extra items at home and not in your car. Always lock your car doors and store any purchases in the trunk.
• Robbery Prevention: Carry a crossbody purse and limit the cash and cards you have on you. Also, don't carry a designer purse or wear expensive jewelry or watches.
• Online ID Theft Prevention: Before purchasing online, ensure the website you are using is verified. Use alternate, safe online payment methods like PayPal, Google, or Apple Pay.
• DWI Prevention: If you are going to parties and plan on drinking, make a plan on how you will get home before you leave the house.
• Burglary Prevention: Don't post your holiday vacation plans online; it advertises an empty house, and while you are gone, keep your lights on a timer.
• Post Holiday Safety: After the gifts have been opened, don't advertise your gifts to would-be thieves by placing the empty boxes out for trash. Cut them up and place them in trash bags that conceal the contents.
For more information, follow HPD on social media, @houstonpolice; they'll be posting this information throughout the month. Also, go to their website for more crime prevention tips, houstonpolice.org. If you become a victim of a crime, you should call 9-1-1 if you are in danger or need immediate assistance. Or, call the non-emergency line at (713) 884-3131. Some police reports can be made online or over the phone, and the non-emergency number will give you information on how to proceed.