Beware: the Holiday Robbery Season is Coming!
We had a speaker this morning at my Lions Club meeting who is a Community Relations Office for the Fremont Police Department. She had some great information which we should all embrace all of the time. The information is especially timely with the Holiday Season approaching. Many of us will be burdened with arm-loads of bags or we will have cars full of gifts which could be easy prey for those whose plan is to relieve us of those items unlawfully.
Here are some great pointers from the Fremont Police that are appropriate for everyone.
REMOVE IT, LOCK IT or LOSE IT!
Remove all valuables from your vehicle (phone, wallet, purse, laptop, camera, packages) – including GPS devices, cell phones, IPODs, IPADS, and chargers. This is appropriate advice not only when parking your car at the mall while you shop or parking your car at the restaurant while you dine but also if your car is normally parked outside at night. Cars left outside in driveways, at curbside or in carports are easy pickings for crooks.
Lock your vehicle and roll up all windows. Park in a well-lit, populated area and refrain from parking between two large vehicles. Use anti-theft devices such as alarms and steering wheel locks. Be aware and alert of suspicious activity or persons in the area.
Place valuables in your trunk before arriving at the parking lot. If you need to drop off extra packages in the middle of your shopping, put them in your trunk and then move your vehicle to another area of the shopping center.
Leave your expensive jewelry and gold chains at home in a secured area while you shop. Don’t allow a robber to snatch your jewelry.
Cell phone thefts are on the increase. Be vigilant! Don’t carry your phone is such a way as to facilitate a run-by and grab theft. Don’t leave your phone or laptop unattended at the coffee shop.
If possible, shop with a friend of family member. If you must be out alone at night, stay in well-lighted areas. Walk close to street lights, staying well away from dark corners and alleys.
Remember, crime occurs during the day, evening, weekdays and weekends. Stay alert and be observant of any suspicious person or vehicle in your immediate area.
Report suspicious activity to the nearest on-site security service or to the Fremont Police Department. Emergency 9-1-1 or non-emergency 510-790-6800, option 3.
The same advice applies to everyone in regard to your local police. I have my local police number in my phone memory in order to call to report such issues as stoplights that are out or other non-emergency traffic incidents.
Be safe out there!
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