Kevin McAlister’s epic battle in Home Alone is more firmly rooted in reality than you may think. Unfortunately, the holiday season creates ample opportunity for crimes and leaves most of us more vulnerable than we realize.
As you navigate your holiday shopping and package deliveries this year, it’s important to stay vigilant against those who may be busy securing their spot on the naughty list. We caught up with Lieutenant Michael Warren, leader of the property crimes component of the Criminal Investigations Division for the Metro Nashville Police Department. He shared a list of essential tips to help you stay safe this season.
9 Holiday Safety Tips from an Expert
Tip 1: Don’t leave your car running to warm it up.
Cold weather comes with the season, and it may be tempting to start the car a few minutes early. That way, it’s nice and toasty when you’re ready to venture out. Unfortunately, troublemakers may be patrolling neighborhoods on cold mornings, ready to hop into your car and drive off even before the coffee finishes brewing.
“During the winter months, we see five to 10 cars stolen each week where it’s being warmed up in a driveway or while someone is running into a gas station,” says Lt. Warren. “I constantly tell our leadership that we don’t have an auto theft problem; we have a responsibility problem. People make mistakes, and unfortunately, that’s a costly one.”
In fact, leaving a car running with keys in the ignition is illegal in some states. While key fobs and remote starts are included in most newer vehicle models, it’s possible to install the feature aftermarket to enjoy the warmth without the risk.
Tip 2: Never leave important items in your car.
Having your vehicle stolen is devastating enough, so be sure not to give criminals access to personal information along with it. This includes purses, wallets, and checkbooks, which often contain all of the necessary information to commit identity theft, access bank accounts, or make fraudulent payments.
No matter the season, remove personal identifiers from your vehicle anytime it’s unoccupied — from the store to the gym and even at home.
It may be tempting to hide your holiday gifts in the trunk, but your vehicle isn’t a safe space for valuables, says Lt. Warren.
Tip 3: Traveling for the holidays? Don’t forget to prep your home.
If Harry and Marv taught us anything, it’s that burglaries are prominent at Christmastime, and a few home defense systems may be needed to deter intruders — they don’t even need to be state-of-the-art or high-tech. According to Lt. Warren, it’s all about giving the appearance that your home isn’t a soft target.
If your holiday gatherings are taking place away from home this year, be sure to leave lights on both inside and outside. If your getaway extends beyond a few days, remember to pause mail service and alert neighbors that you’ll be away. When possible, leave a vehicle in the driveway (remember to remove any valuables!) to provide the illusion of being home.
Tip 4: Practice parking lot safety.
Holiday shoppers are potential targets, especially when they’re distracted and their hands are occupied with multiple shopping bags, a cell phone, keys, and maybe even a fresh cup of coffee. Be aware of your surroundings as you head to your car and get inside. Consider using valet services when possible, especially if you’re going to be shopping after dark — it may seem like a splurge, but valet could potentially protect you from significant risk.
Oblivious shoppers with full arms can be an easy target. Stay vigilant, keep your hands free when possible, and shop with a buddy.
Tip 5: Avoid mailing a check, cash, or gift card.
Mailbox thefts are on the rise, thanks to the very literal red flag that alerts criminals something potentially valuable is inside.
“When the bad guys come to town, that red flag is like blood in the water,” Lt. Warren shares. “They drive around at nine or ten in the morning looking for red flags, and they snatch that check. I can’t discourage it enough.”
Checks can be modified, washed, and reprinted. They can even provide enough information for someone to hijack a bank account. Whether mailing a check to pay a bill or sending a monetary gift (or gift card) to a loved one, the best course is to drop it off directly inside the post office.
Tip 6: Make donations directly to charities, not over the phone.
The holidays are a season of giving in many ways, including through philanthropy. Be wary if you receive a phone call from a charity seeking donations. It isn’t easy to vet the validity of a charity over the phone, especially since caller ID can be spoofed. On the contrary, some nonprofits may enlist the help of solicitors to reach donors, but that can mean a large portion of your donation is going toward covering administrative costs rather than supporting the cause.
If you’re interested in making a charitable gift this year, it’s best to contact the organization directly.
Tip 7: Deter porch pirates.
Porch pirates — or someone who steals packages from another person’s home — are especially prevalent during the holiday season thanks to an uptick in online shopping. After spending time and money ordering the perfect gift for a loved one, prevention is key to ensuring your package gets safely off the porch and under the tree.
Porch pirates operate based on opportunity, so any steps toward concealing packages or installing deterrents can reduce the chances of theft. Lt. Warren recommends leaving instructions for delivery services to drop packages in a hidden location, such as a side door or inside a decorative basket, or even requesting the company hold packages for an in-person pickup.
What should you do if you catch a porch pirate in the act? The answer isn’t complicated … nothing.
“It’s in people’s nature to confront someone who comes on their property,” Lt. Warren shares. “I don’t encourage it. You think their intention is to take a package, and they’ll run off, but it can become very violent. I don’t care what you buy; it’s not worth putting your life in danger for a package.”
Packages left unattended on a visible porch are extremely vulnerable to theft all year round, but especially during the holidays when the volume of deliveries is higher.
Tip 8: Double-check website URLs when online shopping.
Before ordering that perfect gift, pay attention to anything that may look suspicious, and always double-check the URL. While a website may look legitimate, scammers have been known to clone entire web pages with an address that deviates slightly from the real thing in order to steal credit card information.
The advanced methods scammers now use to clone websites can make it challenging to recognize a fake. If anything looks or feels off, or if anyone requests suspicious methods of payment, it’s best to close your browser and try again.
“Make sure the address has “https” and the lock icon in the URL address bar, which shows you that it’s a secure website,” Lt. Warren adds. “Double check the link; you may think you’re on Amazon when you’re actually on Amazon.”
Tip 9: Use the buddy system when shopping.
When venturing out to shop for gifts the old-fashioned way, be extra vigilant when purchasing valuable items. Buying a brand new gaming system or the coveted Turbo Man action figure? Thieves know where these items are sold and may be waiting to swipe them from a consumer rather than braving the store itself.
“If you’re buying high-end things, try not to do it alone,” Lt. Warren tells us. “After you buy it, don’t flaunt it or stroll with it. Accomplish the mission, and get gone.”
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
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Are you (or is someone you love) a small business owner? Check out safety and security tips for small business owners HERE.
