Fwd: Alert Neighbor 11/28/2013

[Lance Woolsey]

----- Original Message -----

        

From:           Tulsa Midtown Alert Neighbors <midtownale...@gmail.com>        28 November 2013 22:08:12

Subject:        Alert Neighbor 11/28/2013

Attachments:            Attach0.html    Uploaded File   9K

Black Friday safety tips from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office:

This is a perfect day for an intruder to target your home, since plenty of us are at the malls

in search of those perfect presents. This is also a time when the bad guys are out in force,

hoping to catch you unaware. The bargains and early hours associated with Black Friday

have created new challenges.

Before leaving home:

 Dress casually and comfortably. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

 Be careful what you post online. Don't alert others that you aren't at home.

 When you are planning to be out, even for a short while, lock your house securely

and arm your alarm system.

Shop during daylight hours and go with a friend or family member. Minimize

shopping at night or while alone; you are more susceptible to being victimized. You are

more likely to be a target when you are alone.

There’s safety in numbers: one of you can watch what you have already purchased, while the

other can line up for the next bargain. Never leave a package unattended.

Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Only carry your driver's license or

identification along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect

to use. When carrying a wallet or purse; only carry what you absolutely need in them.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep all cash in your front pocket. Pay for

purchases with a check or credit card when possible. Don’t overload yourself with

packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps

and to discourage purse snatchers. Consider having your purchases delivered.

Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in

crowded shopping areas. Carry your wallet in your front pants pocket or your purse securely

around your shoulder.

Needless to say, always lock your vehicle and never leave packages in plain sight.

Hide purchases from view in your parked car to prevent break-ins. Put bags and parcels in

the trunk.

Packages, backpacks, gym bags, GPS units, MP3 players, and similar items are an invitation

for theft. Leave them at home if possible.

Park your car in a well-lit area and keep track of where it's parked. Park your car

near street lights, if possible. Identify “markers” that can assist you in returning directly to

your car. This will get you back in your car and on your way faster. Present an alert

appearance. Avoid concentrating so hard on shopping that you fail remain aware of your

surroundings and others near you.

If you feel uneasy about going to your vehicle, ask one of the security guards to walk with

you to your car.

Stay alert while you are walking away from or to your car. Talking or texting on your

phone or digging in your purse for your keys while walking is a distraction and makes you

an easy target. Have keys in hand while you are walking toward your vehicle. As you

approach your vehicle, scan the area, glance underneath, and take a quick look inside

before entering. Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.

At this time of year, con-artists try various methods of distracting you with the intention of

taking your money or belongings. Maintain eye contact; potential predators do not like eye

contact.

Banking and ATM Safety:

 When you use an ATM, use one inside of a well-populated building or a well-lighted

area. Only withdraw the amount of cash that you will need for that day.

 Protect your PIN number. Don’t carry it in your purse or wallet. Shield your PIN from

the view of people near the ATM.

Year round

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

 Photocopy the front and back of your credit/debit cards and keep that information in

a safe place to have easy access to the information needed to report a card that has

been lost or stolen.

 Review bank and credit card statements promptly. Report any discrepancies