Full Notification

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
The holiday season can be hectic and stressful time that could increase your exposure to person with nefarious activities on their mind.  The Calaveras Sheriff’s Office would like to offer a few tips to help people remember to be safe and when possible reduce the likely hood they will be victims of criminal activity.    

WHILE SHOPPING

• Pay Attention to your surroundings and watch for warning signs while shopping. If you feel you are being followed, find a well-lit and populated area. Call for help and make note of the person (and license plate if driving).
• Go holiday shopping with friends or family.  Walking in pairs may help deter criminals.
• Keep children safe: If lost tell them to find a security guard or  go to the checkout counter and advise them they are lost.  Turn it into a game to help them practice while you are out shopping. Ask your kids to point when they see a security officer or who would be safe and not safe to ask for help.
• Hide Your Gifts: Thieves are just as excited as you are to bring home all of the presents you purchased.  Hide your shopping bags in the trunk or out of sight. It does not take long for a thief to break in and steal items from your vehicle.
• In the event your purse or wallet is stolen, record credit card assistance numbers in your cell and in a safe place at home. Never record account numbers or other personal information in your cell in the event of your cell phone is lost or stolen.

MasterCard: 1-800-MC-ASSIST (622-7747)
Visa: 1-800-VISA-911 (847-2911)
American Express: 1-800-528-4800
Discover: 1-800-DISCOVER (347-2683)
PayPal: 1-888-221-1161
 
 
 
 
AT HOME

• Test your smoke alarms monthly to make sure they work.
• Be extra careful about locking doors and windows when you leave home.
• Do not openly display gifts in front of windows.
• Ask someone to pick up your mail or newspaper if you will be gone for longer periods.
• Do not hide the spare key in obvious places: under doormats, rocks, flowerpots and above the door.
• Inspect holiday light strings and discard any with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders, or loose connections. When replacing bulbs, unplug the light string and be sure to match voltage and wattage to the original bulb.
• Always turn off holiday lights when you leave the house unattended or when going to bed.
• Try to purchase a freshly cut tree, as they are more resistant to ignition. Keep your Christmas tree watered and away from open candles.  Have a fire extinguisher near and know how to use it. 
• Avoid connecting more than one extension cord together; instead use a single cord that is long enough to reach the outlet without stretching, but not so long that it can get easily tangled.
• You are the best eyes and ears of your neighborhood.  Call and report suspicious activity as soon as possible.