Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

The holidays are a joyous time, but burglars and other criminals often use the opportunity to victimize others, said the Milpitas Police Department. They offered the following tips Thursday to stay safe and enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.  

• Immediately report any and all suspicious activities. If it appears suspicious, call the MPD. When in doubt call 911.

• Immediately report any crimes in progress by dialing 911. Be prepared to provide descriptions of persons involved, clothing, facial hair, height, weight, age, vehicle descriptions including make, model, color, license plate number or any other information to help officers locate involved parties.

• Always close and lock all doors and windows (even upstairs windows) to your residence if you will be leaving-even if only for a brief period of time.

• Apartment, condominium and townhome residents should also close and lock all windows and doors.

• Install and always use deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.

• Make your home appear that someone is home while you are away.

• Leave a TV or radio on Place lamps in various areas of your home on a timer.
• Stop newspaper and mail delivery while away for extended periods of time
• Leave a car in the driveway or ask a trusted neighbor to park a car in your driveway.

• Install and always use a burglar alarm-Milpitas Police Department responds to all burglar alarms.

• Install motion-sensor lights on the exterior of your home.

• Tell a trusted neighbor when you will be away and provide emergency contact information.

• Place locks on all back yard gates-make sure lock is closed and locked.

• Avoid posting vacation and trip information on Facebook and other social media websites.

• Call Milpitas Police Department for vacation house checks.

• Do not leave valuables in vehicles such as purses, cell phones or laptop computers.

• If you must store items in your vehicle, place the items in the trunk before arrival at your destination.

• Avoid storing purchases in vehicles while shopping.

• Install and use a burglar alarm on your vehicle.

For further information on crime prevention, contact the Milpitas Police Department Community Relations Unit at (408) 586-2400. Happy holidays from the Milpitas Police Department.