Fw: Special Bulletin - Sheriff's Demings Holiday Message

[Avalon Home & Property Owners]

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "NSer...@ocfl.net" <NSer...@ocfl.net>
To: ahp...@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 8:37:20 AM
Subject: Special Bulletin - Sheriff's Demings Holiday Message

11/23/2009

Greetings and Happy Holidays! 

 

Yes it’s that time of year again when we spend time with our families and friends and celebrate our faith.

 

Unfortunately, there are those who do not share the same values that many of us have. The Orange County Sheriff's Office along with other municipalities, private partners and community leaders will continue to work hard to make our communities safe and to continue to provide the quality of life you deserve. 

 

Our goal; simply put, is to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our communities.

 

In order to accomplish this we need your help. Your role will be simple, we will be providing a series of safety and crime prevention tips during the holidays.  We ask that you review them and pass them on to your families, friends and co-workers. We are also requesting that you report any suspicious activity, no matter where you are, to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate jurisdiction.

 

Your continued assistance will go a long way in achieving our community goals. Below, is the first in our series of holiday tips.

 

Shopping: 

 

        Never shop alone.  Always bring a friend with you if possible.

        Let a family member or friend know where you will be and your expected time of arrival.  If your

         plans change let them know when and where.  If possible, leave children at home with a    

         babysitter.

        Have a curfew.  Teenagers should be done shopping before dark.

        Shop during daylight hours if possible. 

        Shop in areas and shopping centers that are well lighted.

        Shop in areas and shopping centers that have security or hire off duty law enforcement.

        Avoid carrying a purse. Place items such as cash, credit/debit cards, medications in your front  

         pocket.  If you do need to carry a purse, make sure it has a short strap and does not dangle from

         your shoulder.

        Carry receipts with you and not in your shopping bag.

        Always carry a fully charged cell phone with you.  If you must use a cell phone, make sure you  

         are aware of your surroundings.

 

    Be aware of those attempting to speak to you or distracting you.

    If you have multiple shopping bags or large items, ask the retailer or mall security to provide 

        assistance to your vehicle.

   Place valuables to include GPS , CD’s, purchased gifts in the trunk of your vehicle.  If your vehicle   

       has a lock feature for the trunk, use it. 

   Be aware of your surroundings when going to your vehicle. Make it a practice to look in your 

       vehicle before you get in.

 

ATM Safety

 

   If you need to use an ATM, do so during daylight hours.

   Avoid secluded, dark or ATM machines located in the rear of a business.

   Consider using  a cash back feature that many merchants offer as an option when you make a 

  purchase.

   To save time, use an ATM that you do not need to wait to retrieve your card back (slide feature) or  you have to wait for a receipt.

 

 

Our next message will be about holiday travel. If you would like to view it and future holiday crime prevention messages, you can go to our website at http://www.ocso.com/ and click our Crime Prevention link.

 

_____________________________________________________________________ PLEASE NOTE: Florida has a very broad public records law (F. S. 119). All e-mails to and from County Officials are kept as a public record. Your e-mail communications, including your e-mail address may be disclosed to the public and media at any time.