19

Dec
2015

11 Holiday Security Tips

December 19th, 2015 | by admin admin | in Security Advice |    0   

Are thieves on your gift list this year? Better check your list twice. Local police forces are offering up plenty of security tips to make sure your gifts get to the right person.

1. No window shopping. There have been almost 1,200 thefts from auto in Vancouver this month.  In most cases, GPS, cell phone and ski equipment, laptops and other goodies were left in plain view. Thieves simply smashed a window or opened unlocked doors to get their goodies.

2. Park in brightly lit areas, preferably close to exits. If you feel unsafe, ask a security guard or other store employee to accompany you to your car.

3. Retrieve packages promptly. Or ship online purchases to a work address where a receptionist or concierge can receive them. Unclaimed packages are way too tempting for criminals.

4. Lock up. When you’re juggling kids, last-minute shopping, parties and travel, it’s easy to leave your house or car unlocked or unarmed. Don’t.

5. Limit cash. Only take out what you need from an ATM and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

6. Safeguard your wallet and bags. Keep your wallet in a front pocket, not in your jacket, back pocket or purse. If you must carry a purse, keep it close to your body. Avoid draping a purse across your body, though, because you may be dragged to the ground by a purse snatcher. And avoid revolving doors, which allow a thief to get away with your packages before you can exit.

7. Keep children at home with a trusted babysitter. Sadly, children are abducted from malls every year.

8. Research before you donate. The holidays are prime season for online and door-to-door charity scams.

9. Turn off location services on social media. Whether you’re shopping, dining or travelling, if a troll notices you’re out, that makes your home a target for burglary. Similarly, save the vacation pics for when you get home.

10. Watch your garbage. Empty boxes for home entertainment centres, expensive appliances and computers tell burglars to shop at your house.

11. Use a private network for online shopping. Never conduct financial transactions using public wi-fi or hotspots. Anyone else on that network can collect your credit card number and other financial information.

Bonus tip: If you need a ride from a party, Operation Red Nose will get you home safely in Abbotsford/Mission, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Delta/Richmond, Langley, New Westminster, North and West Vancouver and Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody). Just call 1-877-604-NOSE.

For more online shopping tips, check out Get Cyber Safe Canada.

More information:

Christmas Shopping Safety. B.C. RCMP.

Twas the Night Before the Holidays. Vancouver Police Department.

Holiday giving? Don’t pick a charity by financial statements alone. CBC.

Holiday Safety Tips. Los Angeles Police Department.

Note: This blog discusses general safety and security topics. It is not intended to provide comprehensive advice or guidance. In all matters of personal safety and security, we encourage readers to research topics in depth and consult a security professional about specific concerns.

Radius Security Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Ladner, Delta, Tsawwassen

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