Police: Don’t be vulnerable to criminals this season

It’s that most wonderful time of year – for bad guys and gals.
While we’re out shopping and visiting with family and friends during the holidays, we can be vulnerable to people who want to prey upon us.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
“Your involvement in crime prevention allows us to better serve your community,” Miami-Dade Police Major Javier Ruiz said.
Ruiz leads the agency’s Miami Lakes department and offered tips that residents can use to protect themselves.
Most important is to be aware of your surroundings and alert to suspicious people and vehicles.
“By knowing where you are and recognizing potential threats, you can avoid potentially dangerous situations,” Ruiz said.
While in your car
--Secure your car and belongings. You’ve heard this before: Lock It or Lose It!
--Keep valuables out of sight and lock packages and gifts in the trunk. Better yet, if you’re going to leave your car, take valuables with you.

While shopping
--If you can, bring just the amount of cash or credit cards that you need rather than carry purse.
--To avoid pickpockets, wear a purse or shoulder-bag across the front of your body.
--While at a bar or restaurant, keep your bag on your lap, not on the back of your chair.
--In the supermarket, do not leave your purse in the shopping cart.
“Remember, out of sight, out of mind, out of purse!” Ruiz said.
--Avoid carrying a lot of packages.
--Don’t display jewelry or large sums of money and secure your cellphone, too.
--When arriving home, check to see if anyone is waiting in your driveway. If you’ve been followed, go to the nearest public location and call the police. If confronted in your driveway, stay in your locked car with the windows up and lean on the horn.
--Illuminate your property with bright lights.

Porch Pirates
Thieves steal thousands of packages every year, a type of theft Ruiz calls “the ultimate crime of opportunity.”
--Have packages delivered to your job.
--Schedule deliveries for when you’ll be home.
--Coordinate with a neighbor, friend or relative to pick up your goodies.
--Require that the delivery service obtain your signature and track packages online so you can anticipate when they’ll ar-rive.
--Use security cameras or video doorbells to monitor deliveries and to deter thieves.
“Trust your instincts,” Ruiz said. “If you suspect something is wrong or if a situation seems dangerous, you may be right. Report to police right away any suspicious people, cars or situations.”