The Benton Police Department would like to pass along some safety precautions to help keep you safe this holiday season.  We want to educate our citizen’s about what they can do to help prevent them from becoming a victim while out doing their last minute shopping. 

    Some of the ideas and tips we are trying to convey when you’re out shopping are:

·         When shopping, use the buddy system.  The old adage there is strength in numbers holds true

·         Park in well lighted areas if you shop at night

·         Don’t leave packages in plain view for criminal to see. 

·         Lock your doors and don’t leave “tempting” items out (GPS, laptop, purse, etc.) 

·         If you don’t have a trunk, then carry a trash bag (not clear) with you and place your packages in them.  This at least makes them less appealing to criminals. 

·         Don’t wear expensive jewelry while shopping, because it will attract unwanted attention from criminals. 

·         Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you.  Credit cards are safer to use, because if they are lost or stolen you are only liable for a small amount if it’s used illegally

     Our department is taking extra steps to help prevent personal crimes and also property crimes that occur this time of year.  This will be achieved through extra patrols of both residential and business areas throughout the holiday season.  We also hope it can be done by following a few safety tips presented below. 

    Some ideas we would like to convey on keeping your property safe are:

·         It almost goes without saying, but lock your doors and windows

·         Don’t leave empty boxes your gifts came in by the curbside (computer, TV, etc.), instead break them down and put them in your trashcan

·         If you’re leaving town put automatic timers on your lights to convey that “lived in look” 

·         Have a trusted neighbor or friend gather your mail or newspapers, or have them temporarily stopped if you don’t have somebody to collect them 

·         Lock your vehicle when you park it outside your residence.  Park it near outside lighting if possible, or near motion lights if you have them

·         If you have an alarm system make sure you use it and post signs outside announcing that you have one

·         If you’re going to be gone for an extended time period you can request extra patrol of your residence by calling 776-5948 or 778-1171 

    A big part of helping to keep criminals from ruining your Christmas lies in you, our citizen’s, hands.  If you observe something suspicious and are not sure whether you should dial 911 to report it we strongly encourage you to do so.  We would rather investigate something that turned out to be nothing than run the risk of missing criminals in the act.  For more information please visit the Benton Police Department website: www.bentonpolice.org    

    Don’t let the Grinch steal your Christmas this year by following these ideas and staying safe.  Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Benton Police Department.