Holiday Safety
Driving
- Avoid driving alone or at night
- Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car
- If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area
- Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows
- Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside
- Do not leave packages on the seat of your car This creates a temptation for thieves
- When approaching and leaving your vehicle be aware of your surroundings
- Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area
- Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
- If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location Withdraw only the amount of cash you need
- Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you
- Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location
Shopping
- Dress casually and comfortably
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry
- Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible
- Always carry your Massachusetts Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert of your surroundings
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible
- Keep cash in your front pocket
- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home
- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps
Children
- If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter
- Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you
- Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping
- Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the rest room
- Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car
- Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them
At Home
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes
- When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail
- Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer
- Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied
- 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 on themselves
- If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire
- Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green
- Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace
Strangers at Your Door
- 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
Hosting a Party
- Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests
- Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests
- Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all
Attending a Party
- Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages
- Eat high-protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system
- Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body
- Know your safe limit
- Never drink and drive
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Police Department
Physical Address
32 Cordaville Road
Southborough, MA 01772
Phone: 508-485-2121Fax: 508-485-4634Emergency Phone: 911
Confidential Tip Line: 508-485-2121, ext. 600