As the holiday season approaches, the Santa Clara Police Department recommends the following safety tips to protect yourself and your property.
When traveling:
- Close and lock all doors and windows, including your shed and garage
- Make arrangements for someone to pick up your mail, packages and newspaper or coordinate delivery delay
- Secure items of value (e.g. cash, jewelry, small electronics, bicycles, tools, firearms) prior to your departure
- Use automatic timers for lights, radios and televisions
- Let a family member or trusted neighbor know you will be away and ask that they watch for suspicious persons and vehicles
- Wait to post vacation photos online until you have returned home
When out for the evening:
- Turn on lights, a television or radio to give the appearance someone is home
- Secure all doors and windows
- Don’t drink and drive
When shopping:
- Remain alert of your surroundings. Shop with a partner
- Park in a well-lit area
- Do not leave electronics or packages in the vehicle visible to others
- Carry minimal amounts of cash; use credit cards for purchases
- Avoid carrying multiple bags/packages at one time
- Carry your purse or wallet close to your body
- Instruct children to go to a police officer or security guard if they get separated from you
When shopping on the Internet:
- Shop with familiar merchants or companies
- Keep passwords private; use letters and numbers in combination
- Use a secure browser
- Pay by credit card
- Have packages delivered to your place of employment
Suspicious activity should be reported to the Police Department’s non-emergency number immediately (408)615-5580. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
