Holiday Safety and Burglary Prevention

Holiday Safety and Burglary Prevention.

The Holiday Season is also prime burglary season as well; the burglars and thieves know that this is the time of year when our homes will be filled with gifts and new purchases. Here are a few things you can do that may help keep your house off the burglar’s radar:

• Don’t advertise what you have in your house
 

• Don’t place empty boxes outside your house that let thieves know what you have purchased
 

• When possible, unload your expensive purchases out of sight, inside your garage
 

• Refrain from leaving your blinds open to display your Christmas tree and gifts
 

• Don’t allow door to door solicitors into you home
 

• Don’t accept free home inspections, termite inspection, water testing, etc.
 

• Don’t leave your garage door open unnecessarily and/or unattended 

Holiday Safety Tips from LAPD

Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors. The Los Angeles Police Department wishes you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.

Driving

Avoid driving alone or at night.
 

Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
 

If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
 

Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
 

Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
 

Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
 

Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
 

Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
 

Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
 

When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
 

Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
 

Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

Shopping

Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member. 

Dress casually and comfortably.
 

Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
 

Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
 

Always carry your California Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
 

Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
 

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
 

Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
 

Keep cash in your front pocket.
 

Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
 

Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
 

Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
 

Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
 

Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Thanksgiving Safety

Thanksgiving means giving thanks and celebrating with family and friends. It also means shopping. With that we anticipate an increase in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in our communities, especially near and at shopping malls. We want you to be safe when you leave your homes! 

In the San Fernando Valley portion of the City of Los Angeles last year there were 62 fatal traffic collisions. Twenty-nine of those people who died were pedestrians. There has been a slight decrease in the overall number of traffic collisions in the San Fernando Valley (3% - 2012-12,502 compared to 2013-12,090) year to date. There has been an 18% increase in the number of fatal traffic collisions involving pedestrians compared to the year 2012 during this same time period (2012 – 22, 2013 – 26 = +5%). Last Thanksgiving day there 29 traffic collisions. On the following Friday and Saturday there were 40 and 39 traffic collisions respectively.

In an effort to enhance traffic safety, we routinely conduct Crosswalk Enforcement Operations throughout the San Fernando Valley. Our goal is to have a safe and efficient flow of traffic in our city streets for both motorists and pedestrians, especially during this Thanksgiving weekend and throughout the Holiday Season. Look for plain clothes officers crossing at an intersection near you, in plain clothing, to verify that you are yielding to a pedestrian.

Here are some DRIVER AWARENESS recommendations for motorists to stay safe during this Thanksgiving weekend:

1. Drivers need to be alert and respectful of pedestrian rights.

2. Please Slow Down! Especially during evening hours. You need more time to see a pedestrian in your path.

3. At unmarked or marked intersections, such as this marked crosswalk, pedestrians have the legal right to cross the street, unless signs prohibit the crossing. Drivers must be reminded of their legal responsibility to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within any marked or unmarked crosswalks.

4. It is illegal to pass a car that has stopped for a pedestrian who is crossing the intersection.

5. Keep your windshield, windows, and mirrors clean. Make sure defrosters and windshield wipers are working properly and that washer fluid is replaced as needed.

6. Remember, that texting and cell phone use while driving is dangerous and illegal. If you chose to drive with a cell phone in one hand you will have a ticket in the other hand. Distracted driving is dangerous driving which could result you being involved in a traffic collision where someone may be injured or killed.

Seat belts save over 13,000 lives every year. One of them could be yours. Please wear your seat belt and ensure everyone in your vehicle has it on before you drive away.

Our traffic safety message is not only for Angelenos but for all
who will be walking, driving, cycling not only to a large shopping
Mall but also to your local neighborhood store.

Many people travel during the Holidays by car, bus, train or airplane to visit family or
friends. We want you to be safe.

(PEDESTRIAN AWARENESS)
Pedestrians are reminded to cross at an intersection and to exercise the following tips:

1. Wait for a fresh green light.

2. Look both ways before crossing.

3. Continue to look left and right as you cross the street.

4. Make eye contact with the driver to ensure the driver sees you.

5. Remember that having the “right of way” does not protect you from becoming involved in a traffic collision. Don’t depend on a traffic signal to protect you; the driver may be distracted.

6. Crossing the street in L.A. could be dangerous if you are paying attention. Cross the street as if your life depended on it, because it may!

Have a great Holiday Season with your family and friends. If you are going to include alcoholic beverages in your celebration, please do not drink and drive.

LOCK IT, HIDE IT, KEEP IT

In the San Fernando Valley last year there were 9,681 burglary from motor vehicles.

When you arrive at a shopping center, here are some tips to keep you from being victimized. Burglary from a motor vehicle is most often a crime of opportunity. In the San Fernando Valley last year there were 9,681 burglary from motor vehicles. You can minimize your chances of being a victim by taking away the opportunity.

Park your vehicle in well lit areas. Preferably where there is a high volume of pedestrian traffic.

Turn your wheels sharply to one side to prevent your vehicle from being towed by a thief.

Lock your car even if you are going for a quick stop at a local convenience store or mini mall.

Do not leave anything inside your car.

Items to avoid leaving in your car are:

Cellular phones, laptops, cameras, Cds, purses, backpacks, clothing, removable stereos, anything of value. Place them in the trunk or your car or leave the items at home.

When returning to your vehicle from making purchases, drive away and park at another location if you are planning on resuming shopping at the same shopping center. Do not leave your purchased items inside the car and return to the store. Thieves may be watching you and wanting your valuables.

For additional information visit us at www.lapdonline.org.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Teen Victims of Crime

Teen Victims of Crime Facts about teen victims of crimes 

and how to protect yourself 

Some facts about victims of crimes....

-Each year more than 40 million Americans are victimized at home, at school, or on the street.
 

-For all major types of crimes, people aged 12 to 19 are the most frequent victims.
 

-Almost half of violent crimes are committed by a victim's acquaintance or relative.
 

-Nearly half the violent crimes against teens are committed by someone the victim knows at least well enough to recognize.
 

-The younger a person is, at least down to the age of 16, the more likely he or she is to be a victim.

What You Can Do

Almost everyone knows someone who has been a victim of crime. With all crime there is the possibility of physical, emotional, or financial repercussions. Just because someone did not sustain physical injuries doesn't mean that they weren't affected by the incident. The effects of crime can even be seen in the larger sense, as crime takes its toll on the whole community. People start to feel more unsafe, teens worry about walking to school, and people start to isolate themselves.

If a friend becomes a victim of crime there are steps you can take to help that person. Three things you can say to help the victim are (1) I'm sorry it happened (2) It wasn't your fault (3) How can I help? Try your best not to make the situation worse for the person but just be there to listen to them and don't judge. Encourage that person to notify the police if they have not done so already.

Additional Resources

National Center for Victims of Crime
Bureau of Justice Statistics, Victim Statistics