Staying safe during the holidays

HIGH SPRINGS – Keeping yourself and your home safe during the holiday season takes a little planning.

Officer James Field of the High Springs Police Department and Detective Jesse Sandusky of the Alachua Police Department gave several suggestions to help keep everyone safe.

A house that appears empty at any time of year is a magnet for break-ins and thefts, Field said. One way to deter potential criminal intrusion is to consider how the property looks when occupied. If a homeowner routinely picks up newspapers and mail, they may choose to either stop delivery during their absence or ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up daily. Piles of newspapers on the front lawn or a stuffed mailbox signal that no one is home, he added.

Other tips are to make sure all doors and windows are locked and nothing is left outside that can be picked up easily and removed from the property, Sandusky said.

If vehicles are left on the property, make sure all doors are locked and windows are rolled up. Keep anything of value out of sight in the vehicles.

Leave an outside light on so neighbors can see if someone is at the door or windows, Field said.

If a timer is available, use it to turn inside lights on and off at appropriate times, he said.

If no timer is available, Field suggested leaving a couple of lights on in the house or leaving a radio on at a normal level.

Leave a key to the house with a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency, he said.

Alerting the police you will be out of town and requesting extra patrols can be helpful, said both Field and Sandusky. In some cities, such as High Springs, officers will get out of the car and check doors and windows for up to five to seven days in the resident’s absence.

When traveling or shopping, do not leave valuables or bags visible inside the vehicle, Sandusky said.

Park your car in the most visible and well-lit area in a parking lot, he added. Have the key to the car out and in your hand before leaving the security of a building to go to the car. Be attentive to your surroundings. If you are at a mall, shopping area or rest stop and feel uneasy, ask a security guard to either escort you to your car or watch you as you walk to your car and are safely inside with the doors locked and the engine running.

Following these simple tips can help keep everyone safe and worry free during the holiday season, said Field and Sandkusky.

“Crime seems to go up when people are shopping and preoccupied with all they have to get done,” Sandusky said.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com