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December 6, 1995

Sheriff offers Christmas Season safety tips

The holidays are here and busy shoppers are hustling and bustling to buy their Christmas gifts. Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway said today that following a few safety tips will help assure a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

"The holidays are a special time of year," Sheriff Hathaway said. "But, they are also a time when people are especially vulnerable to burglaries, thefts and other crimes. We can all help assure this holiday season is a safe and happy one by following a few safety tips."

To make your Christmas shopping safer:

• Walk and park in well-lighted areas.
• Walk confidently and be aware of the people around you.
• Lock your car doors after entering or leaving your car.
• Have your car keys in hand so you don't have to dig in a pocket or purse for them before entering your car.
• Check the back seat and under the car before you get in.
• Don't leave your children alone at home, in a car or in any public place.
• Teach your children to go for help if they get separated from you in a shopping mall. Teach them to go to a cashier or other store employee and say they are lost.
• Don't "flash your cash." Pay by check or credit card when you can.
• Don't leave packages on the car seat. Lock them out of sight in the trunk or under a blanket if your car doesn't have an enclosed trunk.

"The holidays are also a time when we see more home burglaries," Sheriff Hathaway said, "and there are some simple tips to help prevent such an intrusion in your home and life."

• Don't discuss high-value purchases with friends in shopping malls when strangers can listen in.
• Be alert for vehicles following you home after you've made a major purchase.
• Be alert for suspicious persons and vehicles in your neighborhood.
• Don't display your gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway.
• Be sure to lock your home's doors and windows when you leave, even if it just for a few minutes.

"It takes so little time to be extra cautious," Sheriff Hathaway concluded. "By taking the few extra seconds to assure your safety, you can go a long way toward assuring a happy holiday season."

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