Crime & Safety

December Crime Prevention Tip of the Month

During the holiday season, the Mercer Island Police Department offers these crime tips to keep you safe.

The holiday season brings with it new and exciting opportunities for criminals. The would like to share a few tips to hopefully make your holidays a little safer:

  1.  Install a locking/secure mailbox at your residence.   This time of year is popular with mail thieves.  They know that Grandma’s everywhere are sending out checks and $5 bills to anxious grandchildren.  The easiest way to prevent this is to have a mailbox that is secure.  They’re relatively cheap and easily purchased at your local hardware store.  Some can even hold small packages that otherwise may have been left on your porch, another popular target for thieves. 
  2. Do not store wrapped gifts in your vehicle overnight.  Wrapped presents shining through a vehicle window at night are like huge neon signs saying, “Steal Me.”  Vehicle prowlers know that a present will contain something good, and hopefully something they can quickly sell for profit.  Whether you are leaving early the next day to a party, or just wanted to store the kid’s presents where they couldn’t get to them, don’t. 
  3. Closely monitor your bank accounts and credit card statements.  Temporary workers are often brought into stores to accommodate the increased holiday business.   Some of them may be more than willing to “borrow” a credit card number or two to complete their own wish list.  Also, as I stated before, mail theft is common this time of year and it’s hard to keep track of what bills/statements you may be missing from month to month.


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