Goldsboro police encourage safe shopping, travel
By John Joyce
Published in News on November 25, 2015 1:46 PM
The Goldsboro Police Department wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season, but cautions citizens not to neglect safe practices while shopping and when going out of town.
Cpl. Marissa Davis, of the police department's Crime Prevention Office, said the most important tip is to communicate.
"Let someone know when you are going to be out of town," she said.
The police department offers courtesy checks, a program specifically designed to check on peoples homes for them while they are away.
"If you live within the city limits, there is a form you may fill out providing us with the dates you will be away," Davis said. Officers will then make it a point to pass by residences they know will be vacant over the holidays as part of their regular patrols.
It is also a good idea to inform neighbors of when you will be away and ways to contact you in case of an emergency, she said.
"And you can have them check your mail and pick up your paper or packages so that it looks like someone is home," she added.
Another good idea is to set outdoor lights and a television or radio on a timer, Davis said. And do not display wrapped gifts under a Christmas tree if they might be visible through a window or door, she said.
"You don't want to advertise valuables by having them out in the open," she said.
For those ready to begin gift shopping -- Black Friday sales will go on despite most stores already offering sales in-store and on-line -- doing so in pairs is the way to go.
"Remember there is strength in numbers," she said.
Davis suggests carrying a checkbook or credit cards versus cash and said it would be a good idea to leave shopping bags locked in a trunk rather than carrying them around.
"Make a trip out to the car and lock them in the trunk, out of sight. Don't let someone see you carrying a lot of bags that you might have to set down somewhere and give them an opportunity," she said.
While walking to your car, have your keys out for quick entry to your vehicle and be sure to park in well lit areas as close to the store as possible. If need be, your keys can double as a weapon.
"A key sticking out between the fingers makes for a good weapon as a last resort," she said.
The key to a safe holiday season -- as with any event -- is planning ahead. Communicate to your friends and family when and where you are going, whether that is hitting the sales or slipping out of town for a few days, and when you expect to return.
Lastly, stay vigilant, she said. It only takes a moment to become a victim.
"And of course, lock your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes. Don't give them a chance if you can avoid it," Davis said.