Holiday Safety Tips

Happy Holidays to Our Brooklyn College Community

As the holiday season gets into full swing, there are some who will look to take advantage of the season. Before venturing out to the stores, please read our tips to help ensure your holiday shopping experience is a fun and safe one!

Practice safe crime prevention measures not only during and after the holidays; make them a habit for life.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Don't Use Your Car for Storage While Shopping

If visiting multiple stores, remember your vehicle should not be used as a storage compartment until your shopping is completed. Purchases should remain with you at all times. Perpetrators are watching and waiting for your drop-off to your vehicle, and then they enter your car and pull your trunk lever and easily remove your packages.

Be aware of loiterers near your vehicle. If you have any question, return to the store and ask to be escorted.

• Be aware of locations and situations that would make you vulnerable to crime.
• Walk confidently at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
• Don't be afraid to make eye contact with people when walking.
• Do not respond if a stranger speaks to you on the street; continue walking.

Parking Tips

Park your vehicle in a well-lit area that is well traveled by fellow-shoppers.

• Always lock your vehicle doors after entering or leaving the vehicle.
• Have your keys in your hand when approaching your vehicle (or home). You'll get inside much quicker and will avoid placing yourself in a vulnerable position.

Just carry the amount of cash you expect to use when out shopping, thieves are on the look-out for people holding large amounts of money.

Car Break-ins

In order to prevent your vehicle from being broken into, don't leave wallets, cell phones, laptops, credit cards or any other valuables in your vehicle visible once you park your car or truck. Thieves are always looking for the opportunity to remove your personal belongings.

Scam Artists

Unfortunately, holidays are also high season for scam artists, especially confidence artists. A confidence trick is an attempt to defraud a person or group after first gaining their confidence by exploiting characteristics of the human psyche. Consumers are typically in a generous mood and often distracted. Be wary of strangers approaching you asking for something that may ordinarily raise suspicions. If you receive a call asking you to wire money, there is a chance you are being scammed.

Home Break-ins

Cut up product boxes in to small pieces that fit in to trash or recycling bins. There is no need to advertise all the gifts that are now in your home to everyone that passes.