December 2022: Holiday Season Safety
The Winter Springs Police Department would like to wish you
a safe and happy holiday and a happy new year!
The Holiday Season is an exciting time for us all, but we must remain vigilant.
REDUCE CRIMINAL OPPORTUNITY AT HOME
Although you can’t make your home completely burglar-proof, you can take simple precautionary measures to make entry so difficult that a burglar will look elsewhere for an easier target.
1) LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS
2) Remove or trim shrubbery and trim trees for a clear view of entrances and windows.
3) Your home and garage service door should be well-lit. Inexpensive timers or an electrical photocell will turn lights on at dusk and turn them off at dawn. Motion activated spot lights can be an effective crime prevention device.
4) Always make your home appear occupied when you are not home, out for the evening, or on an extended vacation. Leave a light or television on inside the home.
5) Never leave spare keys under doormats, in mail boxes, or over the door frame.
6) Make arrangements with a neighbor to pick up your packages, newspapers, flyers, and mail.
7) Contact the Winter Springs Police Department to complete a house check form.
8) Don’t keep large sums of money in the home. Record serial numbers, take photographs and make an inventory of your valuables. A second copy should be kept in a secure location outside the home.
9) NEVER post your travel plans on social media!
10) Discard any old or unused medications in our medicine drop box in the lobby of the Winter Springs Police Department.
Although the Winter Springs Police Department recommends procedures for making your home and garage burglar resistant, there is no guarantee your home will not be targeted. These steps can make you less of a target.
If, despite taking these suggested precautions, you discover your home has been burglarized leave your home and call the police 9-1-1 or (407) 327-1000 from a safe location. Stay outside of your home until it has been searched and is known to be safe for your entry.
REDUCE CRIMINAL OPPORTUNITY WHILE SHOPPING
1) LOCK YOUR DOORS!
2) Avoid leaving purses and other valuables in your vehicle or in plain sight.
3) If you must leave packages in the vehicle for an extended period of time, park in a well-lit, heavily traveled area.
4) Avoid shopping alone after dark.
5) Take steps to protect yourself against credit card fraud and identity theft. Scammers take advantage of the kindness of people during the holidays.
Please be courteous and patient. Traffic will be heavy, shopping areas will be congested, and tempers will be short. A little bit of cheer can be contagious.
Always remember, if you see something unusual, do not hesitate to notify the Police. “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!” If you feel uncomfortable about calling the police department, you can report suspicious activity anonymously. In addition, you can call 1-800-423-TIPS or report at www.crimeline.org. You do not have to give your name.
