The holidays are a time when thieves are frequently on the prowl. It’s the time of year to keep your antennae up whether at home or in a mall parking lot.
Keeping Your Home Safe:
• Always lock your doors and windows, even if you are only gone for a few minutes.
• Lock your side gate, leave lights on at night, if you have an alarm, use it.
• Post a “Beware of Dog” sign even if you don’t have a dog.
• Install LED lights outside your home.
• Arrange to have packages delivered to a neighbor if you are not home and avoid leaving packages on your doorsteps or porches.
• Dispose of packaging discreetly. Criminals observe discarded product packaging of enticing items and then target you or your home for their next burglary or theft.
• If you park in the garage, drive in, close the door, then get out of the car and remove your packages. Criminals may be on your street watching for any chance to take what is yours.
Staying Safe While Shopping:
• Park in a well-lit area as close to the entrance as possible. Avoid dark and/or isolated areas. Lock your car.
• Place purchases in the trunk of your car, leave nothing of value visible, including electronic wires.
• Always remain aware of your surroundings and scan the parking lot for suspicious activities or persons. • Never leave your purse or purchases unattended.
• As you approach your car, check around, under and inside, to make sure no one is hiding.
• Have your keys in hand, enter your car and immediately lock the doors. Don’t sit and make phone calls, leave!
• Ask security to escort you to your car if you feel uncomfortable.
My thanks again to all the neighborhood watch captains who have gathered their neighbors and helped empower them to improve the quality of their lives through crime prevention, education, problem solving and cooperation with the San Diego Police Department.
If your street does not have a captain, step up and take the lead, email me at bggellman@yahoo.com to increase the positive energy on your street.
And remember, call 9-1-1 if you see a crime in progress or feel threatened by someone. Call 619-531-2000 for suspicious activity on your street or shopping mall.
Note: If you have a news item to share, please submit your story through UCCA’s Contact Us link at https://www.universitycitynews.org/contact-us-or-volunteer-in-uc/.
Review article guidelines at https://www.universitycitynews.org/ucca-newsletter-archives/
What do Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, ImproveUC and UCCA have in common? They are all ways neighbors can connect with neighbors and the University City community. Create a post, start a conversation, share the news, organize an event, keep in touch, take a look:
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/universitycitycommunityassociation
- Twitter – https://twitter.com/UCCA_SD
- Nextdoor – https://nextdoor.com/sandiego/
- ImproveUC – http://improveuc.org/
- UCCA – https://www.universitycitynews.org/
