The holiday season has begun and this means many of you will be taking a break from school and work to take a short or long vacation to visit family or friends or just get away - unfortunately, the holiday season also provides opportunities for criminal activity in your neighborhoods. You can decrease the chance of becoming a victim this holiday season by following these tips:
-Install lighting, such as motion lights or dusk to dawn detector lights, on your home's exterior
-Trim shrubbery around your home to eliminate hiding places
-Do not leave bikes unattended. Lock your bikes, even if you are going to be away for only a few moments
-Be aware of your surroundings and those around you when you walk to/from your car in shopping center parking lots
-Do not leave recently purchased items in plain view within your car. Consider hiding them in your trunk or even taking them home before continuing on to your next destination
-Install a locking mailbox or ask a neighbor to pick up your mail when on vacation
-Get to know your neighbors! Let a trusted neighbor know if you are planning to travel this holiday season. Neighbors who know each other look out for each other.
Before you go on your next adventure, consider these tips:
*Don't Announce Your Absence – It's tempting to share all those fun-filled photos on social media immediately. Save the vacation pictures for when you return.
*Do a Final Walk Through – Make sure all doors and windows are locked, disconnect appliances and turn off any unnecessary utilities and breakers.
*Set Your Security Alarm – If you alarm is monitored, update the monitoring company with a contact who can be reached in your absence in case of emergency.
*Simulate a Normal Routine – Put the lights on a timer; adjust the window shades. The less obvious your absence is, the better.
*Disconnect the Internet – Minimize the likelihood of someone hacking your identity through unmonitored computers and Wi-Fi. Be mindful though that some security systems and cameras require an internet connection so check before you disconnect.
*Don't Announce Your Absence – It's tempting to share all those fun-filled photos on social media immediately. Save the vacation pictures for when you return.
If your home has a security camera system installed, consider registering it with the Milpitas Police Department's Camera Registration program.
https://forms.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/cameraregistry/
By registering your cameras, we can quickly assess whether any cameras are near the vicinity of where crimes have occurred. Officers may then request to view resident's footage to identify suspects or additional leads. We will NOT have remote access to your system. Footage is provided to us solely at the camera owner's discretion.
And lastly, if you are going to be away for a period of time consider using our Vacation House Check Program.
The Vacation House Check Program does not guarantee that a burglary or other crime will not occur at the residence, and it is only intended to be a request for the officer to check the home periodically, based upon the availability of the officer or citizen volunteer.
Click here for additional information:
http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/vacation-home-check-request/
Stay Safe!
