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The holiday season provides many opportunities for increased criminal activity. Plan your travel route in advance When traveling to and from work, whether driving, walking, or taking public transportation, plan the trip in advance. Know how to get to your destination by the most direct and safest route. Always keep your gas tank full and maintain your car.
Park your car in a well lit location and be alert when entering and exiting it Park your car at a well-lit location. Quickly look around outside and inside the car to confirm that it is safe to approach and enter it. Always have your key in your hand so that you can quickly enter the car. Carry wallets, handbags, and laptop computers in a secure manner A wallet should be placed at the bottom or within a zippered compartment of your bag, inside a coat, or in a front pants pocket (the rear pants pocket is the easiest to pick). Carry your handbags close to the body, not dangling by the handle. Place one end of the bag in the palm of your hand and the other in the bend of your elbow. Transport laptop computers in a backpack or duffel bag so that it is not obvious. Never leave a laptop computer unguarded- always store it in a secure location.
Don’t overload your arms Avoid overloading your arms with packages or other items. This situation makes you more vulnerable to pickpockets.
Stay alert Stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you, especially in crowded settings ‑‑ walking along streets, in elevators, on staircases or escalators, in stores, and when taking mass transit. Using MP3 devices or cell phones while walking or when riding mass transit diverts your attention to what is taking place around you. Criminals often seek out people who appear distracted. Beware of pickpocket situations Pickpockets often work in teams. Be alert of activity within your immediate vicinity, loud and disruptive outbursts, or if you are stopped by strangers seeking directions. These actions have been used by pickpockets to divert your attention from an accomplice. Travel with others Travel along populated and well-lit streets. When possible, travel with others.
Don’t carry large amounts of cash and cards Plan your purchases in advance and carry only the cash you need. If you must carry large sums of money, divide the cash between your handbag, pockets, and wallet. Handle and store credit, charge, and debit cards carefully.
Use caution at ATM’s Be aware of the persons near you when using an ATM. Do not place a wallet, handbag, or ATM card on any exposed surface, including a shelf under the telephone. Be especially careful when handling the card and entering your account codes. Use ATM’s during daytime hours. If you must use an ATM at night, find one that is located near a busy intersection and have someone accompany you. Be especially careful when handling the card and entering your PIN number.
Use your cell phone wisely.
Consult New York City Service Departments and Support Agencies The following are additional helpful tips on how to keep your holiday safe:
Click here for tips from the Office of Emergency Management. Click here for tips from the Fire Department of the City of New York.
Click here for tips from the American Red Cross in Greater New York.
A few other tips that you should consider: .securely lock home and car doors;
.make sure electric cords on holiday decorations are UL approved and not frayed, and that decorations are lit only when you are at home; .replace smoke detector batteries annually (this should be done on a birthday or important occasion so you remember);
These tips were compiled by the NYLS Office of Security & Safety and the Updated: December 2007
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