Dekalb County Police: Don't be a victim during the holidays

Whether you're a shopper scrambling for last-minute gifts to place under the tree or if you're out celebrating the holiday season with friends and family at dinner, the North Precinct of DeKalb County Police offers the following tips to remember for a safe holiday weekend:

1.     Eliminate the visibility of valuable taken into the home such as cash, high-dollar electronics by breaking down boxes and packaging and dispose of them in garbage bags and covered cans.

2.     Use all security mechanism installed in your home such as locks, alarm systems, light and sound times and do not leave doors or windows open.

3.     Business owners should avoid the practice of carrying cash to your place of residence. Make deposits before the close of business.

4.     Avoid establishing a traceable routine.

5.     Ask neighbors to keep a watchful eye for suspicious person and unwanted activity in the neighborhood.

6.     If you are in your vehicle and think you are being followed, dial 911 from a cellular phone, advise your location and situation and change your route to a well lit and populated establishment.

7.     Remove any object to aid a criminal, i.e. ladders, tools, etc.

8.     Communicate with your neighbors on any suspicious activity.

9.     Always call 911 for suspicious persons, vehicles or activity seen in your community.

10. Dial 911 when occurring activities make you feel unsafe.