Holiday Safety Tips

The Alexandria Police Department Recommends Holiday Safety Tips to Help Prevent Theft
Page updated on November 22, 2023 at 12:43 PM
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Holiday Safety Tips 2023

This holiday season, the Alexandria Police Department (APD) invites businesses and residents to help keep our community safe by taking precautionary measures to prevent theft-related crimes. The season is a busy time of year when we can become vulnerable, therefore we can never be too careful, too prepared, or too aware.

Please share this information with family, friends, and neighbors and follow APD on your favorite social media channel.

The Alexandria Police Department wishes you a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Businesses

Keep Shoplifters at Bay: If you operate or own a business, here are a few tips to help deter shoplifting.

  1. Keep front doors and windows clear of signs and posters to allow for two-way visibility. 

  1. Keep the outside of your business well-lit at night. Ensure there is sufficient lighting around the property, including any rear or side alleyways. 

  1. Install video surveillance and make its existence known to customers. 

  1. Add mirrors to your store to increase visibility of products and people. 

  1. Use customer service as prevention. Greet customers and maintain adequate staffing levels. 

Shopping 

Shopping Safety Tips: ‘Tis the season for holiday hustle and bustle. Consider these personal safety tips to protect you and your loved ones while shopping. 

  1. Park in well-lit areas. 

  1. Be mindful of your surroundings. If you’re distracted, you’re an easy target. 

  1. Do not leave packages visible in your car. Lock them in the trunk. 

  1. Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle.  

  1. Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.  

Packages  

Prevent Porch Pirates and Package Thefts: Don’t let your packages disappear upon delivery. Take these precautions.

  1. Avoid leaving delivered mail and packages unattended.  

  1. Network with a neighbor — ask them to pick up your packages for safekeeping. 

  1. Have packages delivered to your workplace/office. 

  1. Use a locker for package delivery. 

  1. Require a signature on delivery. 

  1. Install security cameras to track activity at your front door. 

Home 

Holiday Home Security Check Tips: Whether you’re going out for the evening or traveling for the holidays, now is the time to do a home security check. Here are some simple steps to help prevent theft from homes this season. 

  1. Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes. 

  1. Check windows, doors, and perimeter gates to ensure they are locked. 

  1. Ensure dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that can be activated by sensors. 

  1. Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed; overgrown foliage can provide a hiding place for criminals. 

  1. Place gifts and valuables where they cannot be seen through the windows and doors. 

  1. Lock your vehicle and remove all valuables. Yes, even when it’s in your driveway. 

Online 

Cyber Shopping Safety Tips: Protect yourself from cybercrime this season. Take these precautions to protect yourself when shopping online or making e-transactions.

  1. Use complex, hard-to-guess passwords.  

  2. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for purchases or accessing sensitive information. 

  3. Use a credit card instead of a debit card to make your e-transaction.  

  4. Always use a secure browser. Look for a padlock icon in the address bar and ensure that the URL starts with “https” rather than just “http.” These sites are encrypted to protect your data. 

  5. Click on links to trusted websites only. Scammers can use malicious webpages to infect computers and mobile devices with harmful viruses or malware. 

Together as a community, we can take steps to prevent potential crimes from occurring. If You See Something, Say Something – If you see suspicious activity, report it immediately to APD by calling 911.