The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become distracted and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared, or too aware. The following Holiday Safety Tips were compiled to contribute to the safety and security of our residents during the next few shopping-heavy weeks.
Please share this information with family, friends, and neighbors. Your Harris County MUD 249 Directors wish you a safe, happy, and peaceful holiday season.
Skimmers are on the rise in the Houston area; be aware any time you are using an unfamiliar ATM or PoS not located firmly within view of the proprietor(s). Gas stations are particularly vulnerable; this article from the Houston Chronicle outlines more details on skimmers.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter. If you do take your children with you, teach your child to:
Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
Avoiding the crowds and shopping online for Cyber Monday? Lifelock® has some safety tips for your online shopping, as well; you can follow this link to their list.
Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. 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 identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate. Donate to a recognized charitable organization, preferably online or at the charity’s business address.
Lastly, if you are opening any of your big purchases now, make sure to not put the empty boxes at the curb for everyone to see: it tells potential thieves what new upgrades you have made in the home! Also, electronics often have serial and model number information on the exterior of the box, so if you can’t store the box for the duration of the warranty or possible return window, take the box to a public dump site or recycle center for disposal, or time your placement at the curb for immediately before your trash provider is picking up; their schedule is on the district calendar!
Take a spare moment to look out for your fellow Harris County MUD 249 neighbors as well, and help each other work towards a safe and secure post-Thanksgiving season.
Make sure your community is safe when out after Thanksgiving! Share this post to social media using the buttons at the top of the news post to spread the news to your neighbors on Facebook and Twitter, or copy the link to share to Nextdoor!