Danvers Police Offer Holiday Safety Tips

The has compiled a list of safety tips for the home, and while shopping during the holiday season.

For the home:

• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home. 

• When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home. 

• Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over themselves and be injured.

• If you use lights on your Christmas tree, ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed, which could cause a fire. Make sure Christmas Trees are well anchored and watered so that they do not become fire hazards. Place your tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.

• Don't advertise to burglars that you just received a new TV, computer, or other expensive gift. After packages have all been opened, remember to either bag your empty boxes in dark garbage bags or break them down before putting them in garbage cans or placing them on the curb.

• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved. Ask for their idenitification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.

• If children are involved in baking holiday items, make sure the adults handle any hot kitchen items.

While shopping:

• Try not to carry a large wallet or purse. Take only the credit/debit cards and cash you expect to use.

• Make sure you receive your card back after each transaction.

• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers and Customer Service contact numbers at home in the event the cards are lost or stolen. 

• Keep cash in front pocket to minimize the opportunity of being pick-pocketed.

• Take not of where you parked your car. Always park in well-lit areas at night, or near vehicles during the day. 

• Don't leave shopping bags of packages in your vehicle in plain sight. If you must take them with you, always lock them in your trunk.

• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At certain times of year "conartists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.