The holidays are coming

The holidays are coming. The holidays are coming. Much like Paul Revere made similar announcements about an impending approach by the British Army, I am sending out a loud and clear announcement, a warning if you will, that the holidays are coming.  Why a warning about the holidays?  Well, the approach of the holidays mean another sort of invasion, the invasion of thieves and criminals. Just as Mr. Revere’s warning was meant to protect the townspeople, I want to warn you of the approaching perils of the holiday season.

The information I provide to you is truthful, so I hope you heed warnings and take appropriate actions to help avoid being a victim of a crime, especially during the holiday season. Does crime increase around the holidays? Yes and no. According to reports from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), two specific types of crime increase in December: robbery and theft of property.

Thousands of deliveries made in Celebration alone on a weekly, or daily basis, make for loads of opportunity for someone seeking easy targets. Now add in the additional visitors to drive around looking at decorations, shopping, dining or just visiting with families. All the extra people coming into town, along with those delivered parcels at your doorsteps make for the easy opportunity criminals desire.

That’s just for theft. Now lets consider all the gifts, purchases and purses left visible and sitting in vehicles.  Add to that, the often unlocked cars with the key fobs left inside them.  Easy targets, right? You may laugh, but this has happened in Celebration on several occasions.

Home safety tips

• Call the Sheriff’s Office or your local police immediately if you see suspicious vehicles or persons around your home or cars.
• Schedule package deliveries when you are going to be home or have them delivered to a trusted neighbor, relative, temporary PO Box, your job or at your condo or apartment offices. (if they allow it). Amazon Hub is a resource to consider for a safe delivery option.
• Keep gifts out of sight of windows or leave the curtains closed.
• Always lock your doors and windows, even if you plan to be out for a short while. Also make sure doors and windows will still lock with any Christmas light extension cords running through them.
• Set your home alarms and make sure the monitoring company has your current phone numbers.
• Don’t “advertise” your new high-dollar purchases after the holidays. Break down the boxes of TVs, stereos, computers, etc. Turn them inside out or cut them up before putting them in the trash or recycling. Look for cardboard recycling dumpsters. Thanks Ken and Celebration Sanitation!
• Document and photograph the model and serial numbers of electronic or high valued items for later reference.
• DO NOT run extension cords across sidewalks or cover the streetlights outside your homes. You may be sued for someone being injured if someone trips as a result. Damages to the streetlight poles could also be billed to you.

Shopping Safety Tips

LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS!

• Keep full attention on your surroundings. A distracted person is especially vulnerable to attackers. Have your keys handy to enter your car.
• Park in well-lit areas or ones that will have lighting when you exit the mall after a day of shopping
• Put packages in locked trunks and out of view. Thieves do their own form of window shopping, looking in parked cars for gifts and other merchandise. Keep your receipts with you.
• Carry purses strategically with zippers closed and large openings facing towards you.
• Put wallets in front pockets or zippered in coat linings
• Keep large amounts of cash hidden. Robbers love those who like to show off their wads of cash and will follow you until the opportunity to strike happens.
• Use caution and be aware at ATM’s. Avoid an ATM in an isolated or dimly lit area and look for skimmers.
• If shopping alone, request store security, an employee or a manager to escort you to your car. If that’s not possible, wait until another shopper exits the store. Remember there is usually safety in numbers.

Vacation Safety Tips

Many people take trips this time of year and leave their homes. Make sure all doors and windows are secure and properly locked.  Set your alarms. Have a trusted friend, neighbor or relative periodically check your home. A few additional tips are listed below.

• The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office can also be contacted using the non-emergency number of 407-348-2222. Advise the dispatcher that you would like to request “vacation checks” of your home. They will obtain information from you and your request will be sent to the deputies working in the area to conduct extra patrols when possible. This is a free service.
• Lights, a radio and/or televisions can be put on timers to give your home an occupied appearance. Make sure to adjust timers to accommodate the earlier sunsets
• Avoid “broadcasting” to everybody on social media that you will be gone. It’s nice to brag about the two-week trip to Iceland, but criminals are tech savvy and use all forms of social media to check when you’ll be gone. Plus, I’ll bet that you probably don’t know all the friends of friends that may have access to seeing your itinerary.
• Finally, delay posting pictures on social media until you return home.

I don’t consider myself a bearer of bad news. I think of it as spreading reality in hopes of reducing crime and helping you make sound decisions at all times, especially this time of year. There is never a guarantee of you never being a victim, but by taking some extra precautions and watching your surroundings, we hope to reduce those chances. I hope you all have a crime free, happy and healthy holiday season.  Please stay safe.

By Deputy Jerry Weiland

Osceola County Sheriff’s Office