GCPD Offers Holiday Safety Tips

The Garden City Police Department will be taking affirmative steps to ensure the safety of the people of Garden City during the upcoming Holiday season. During this Holiday Season, all of the department's regular marked and plain clothes patrols will be intensifying their coverage of the Village's business and shopping areas. In addition, Police Commissioner Ernest J. Cipullo would like to make everyone's holiday season happier and safer by offering some holiday shopping tips:

LEAVING HOME

-Plan your trip carefully. Know what routes that you will be taking.

-Tell someone when and where you are going and tell them the routes you will be using.

-When leaving your home, leave interior and exterior lights on. Activate your alarm system if you have one.

-Be aware of anyone watching or following you as you leave your home.

SHOPPING

-When possible, shop with friends or family.

-Carry a well-charged cell phone.

-Keep your pocketbook closed under your arm or in front of your chest. A short strap is recommended. Wallets should carried in front or buttoned pockets.

-When possible, keep your money in your pocket, not in a pocketbook or wallet.

-Do not flash large amounts of money.

-Protect your credit cards especially in the vicinity of ATM machines or cashier lines. Credit card numbers can be memorized or even photographed by a cell phone.

-Do not wear jewelry that will attract attention from criminals

-Do not carry any identification or license plate numbers on your key ring. If your keys are lost or stolen, you don't want them to lead someone to your house or vehicle.

-Avoid giving phone numbers to cashiers. It may lead to your home address being revealed to the wrong person.

IN THE PARKING LOT

-At night, park in well lit areas.

-Look around before you exit your vehicle. Do not get out of your vehicle and drive to a different location if you see someone loitering nearby.

-Note the location of your vehicle in the parking lot to enable you to conveniently return after shopping.

-Do not return to your vehicle if you see people loitering nearby.

-Never leave your packages in plain view inside your vehicle. Lock them in the trunk or place them on the floor and cover them with a blanket or jacket.

-Do not leave mail or anything else that shows your address on the seats of your vehicle. A thief can look inside your vehicle, see the address and then break into your home while you shop.

-Have keys in hand when you return to your vehicle so you do not waste time searching for them. Lighted key chains make it easier and faster to unlock your vehicle.

-Many car keypads today have a panic button that causes the vehicle to emit loud piercing sounds. If you have one, be aware where this button is and be prepared to use it if you feel threat-ened.

-As you return to your vehicle, check the area around and under your vehicle for suspicious persons. Always check the inside of your vehicle before you get in.

-Carry a whistle or other audible device. If you feel threatened, use it. If you're inside your vehicle, use your horn to attract attention.

-Do not roll down your window if approached by a stranger. Talk through the glass or drive away.

-When driving from a shopping center, check to see if anyone is apparently following you. If so, call 911 if you have a cell phone. Drive directly to a police station or to a highly visible public area where other people are present.

Commissioner Cipullo and the Garden City Police Department wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday Season.