Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward have a Safe Holiday
From the Chiefs Desk
With the holiday season upon us, most people are preoccupied with the details of holiday planning and shopping. Unfortunately, the safety precautions we normally take can be forgotten as the excitement of the season causes us to let our guard down. I want this to be a safe holiday season for all, so I would like to remind you to follow these simple tips while you enjoy the season.
Leaving the house for a bit? Be sure to lock your doors and windows! Don’t leave the drapes open with your presents in plain view. Christmas presents displayed around your tree can be a pretty sight, but can also be quite tempting to burglars. It’s better to scatter the gifts around the house, in closets or cupboards, where they can’t be so easily seen.
Out of town for the holidays? If you are leaving town for the holidays, make sure your home appears occupied. Leave inside and outside lights on timers and have your neighbors pick up newspapers, mail, and take flyers off your door. Ask neighbors to park in your driveway. Put a timer on a talk radio station for several hours a day. Contact our department and have you home placed on our confidential vacant house list.
Going shopping? During this time, many of us will be busy shopping and running errands. We must not forget that criminals will also be out and about looking for easy targets to make a big score. Here is some Holiday Crime Prevention Tips While Shopping:
• Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you particularly when walking through parking lots.
• Shop with a friend, there is safety in numbers.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check, credit or debit card.
• If possible, carry only your driver’s license, personal checks, or necessary credit or debit cards.
• If you must carry a purse, do not wrap the straps around your arms or shoulders. Carry a clutch purse tightly under your arm or wear a fanny pack.
• Do not carry a wallet in a back pocket. It should be placed in a front pocket of your pants for safety.
• Be alert that crooks look for the “high dollar” shopping bags with your purchases. When possible, slip bags/purchases in a plain nondescript bag.
• Watch purchases while eating in mall food courts; bags can easily be switched or taken.
• Educate your children about what to do if they are lost as well as “Stranger Danger”.
• Don’t overburden yourself with too many packages. Use store’s package pick-up.
• Have your car keys ready in hand before leaving the store.
• If you do return to your vehicle to unload purchases, place them in the trunk of the vehicle.
• Try not to shop until the store closes. Remember, fewer people are present at this time.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be wary of burglars, thieves, pickpockets, and other holiday grinches. Nothing can ruin the holiday spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime. But remember, just by using a little planning and some good common sense, most holiday crimes can be avoided.
Finally come visit the Village’s Central Business and shopping district, offering safe and convenient access to a wide variety of retail shops and eateries.
Chief John Ward.