City News

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 24, 2010

Suffolk Police Want You to "Keep Your Guard Up" During The Holiday Season

SUFFOLK,VIRGINIA (November 24, 2010) - Don’t let the “Grinch” steal your holiday cheer. The Suffolk Police Department wants you and your family to have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. But unfortunately some see this as the season of opportunity to commit crimes.
The Suffolk Police Department is setting up enhanced holiday patrols around shopping areas, businesses and banks in an effort to reduce crime this holiday season. However, there are lots of things you can do to keep yourself safe. Please keep the following safety tips in mind:

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips While Shopping:

• Stay alert to your surroundings and people around you
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Watch purchases while eating at shopping food courts
• Walk briskly, confidently and directly though the parking lot
• Ask security to escort you to your vehicle if you feel uncomfortable
• Place packages in the truck of your vehicle
• Shop early and leave early to avoid evening darkness
• Park in a highly visible area and check for lighting in case you leave at night

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips At Home:

• Keep the outside of your home well lit with doors locked and window curtains closed
• Don’t display gifts beneath the Christmas tree which can been seen from windows and doors
• After the holidays, don’t advertise gifts received by the boxes left outside for trash collection

Business Security Tips:

• Limit the number of posters and signs in windows to allow unobstructed view of your business by police patrol units
• Trim bushes and trees to cut down on places for burglars to hide
• Use high quality locks, safes and alarm systems
• Provide training for all staff so they know safety procedures

If you notice anything suspicious, contact the Suffolk Police Department immediately by calling 911. This is the “Season for Giving”. We don’t want to “give” criminals a chance to harm you or your family. Please watch out for yourself, your family and your neighbors.

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