Shopping Safety Tips

Some basic shopping safety tips:

• Keep all purses and bags zipped and snapped closed.
• Do not flash large amounts of cash when paying for merchandise.
• If using a debit card, keep the card close to your body so the card number will not be able to be photographed by a cell phone.
• Always shop with a buddy, you are less of a target when you have someone with you.
• If you have to take a phone call or text message – don’t let your guard down and get distracted while shopping.  
• Let someone know where you are going and what time you may be returning.
• If using a shopping cart, try to secure your purse or bags with the child locking system.
• Do not carry large amounts of merchandise at one time.
• Do not carry your social security card or birth certificate in your wallet or purse.
• Carry only a minimum amount of credit cards at one time.
• If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, contact the department or the stores security officer.
• Report any suspicious people to the store security or customer service or 911.
• Keep children secure in a stroller or shopping cart at all times. Do not allow your children to wander. 
• Speak with your children about a plan if you were separated while shopping.

Have a safe and Happy Christmas.

ABDUCTION

Alert: Abduction of 10yo: Susp. Nisshawn Murphey FB/39 in white 4DR Ford Explorer with side Step # 6VZX199




Palmdale Station Detectives are seeking the public’s help in locating Matisse Murphy. Matisse Murphy was abducted by his biological mother, Nisshawn Murphy, at approximately 8:50am, Monday, December 2, 2013, outside of a foster home located in Palmdale.

Nisshawn Murphy was ordered by the court to relinquish her parental rights due to several criminal convictions.

According to cell phone records, Nisshawn has made several trips to the Antelope Valley from South Los Angeles during the past 24 hours. Nisshawn is driving a White Ford Explorer, California Plate #6VZX199, 4 doors, with side steps.

Nisshawn Murphy is described as a 39 year-old black female with black hair and brown eyes. Nisshawn is approximately 5’06” and 145lbs. Clothing description is unknown at this time.

Matisse Murphy is described as a 10 year-old male black, approximately 4’11” and 80lbs. Clothing description is unknown at this time.

Anyone with information on the location of Nisshawn Murphy and/or Matisse Murphy is encouraged to contact the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2500 or Detective Dang of the Palmdale station at 661-272-2477.

LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

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.