Historical December 1986 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Criminal activity typically increases during the holiday season.
The following safety tips have appeared on these pages many times, but they certainly bear repeating.
An ounce of prevention …
If you are leaving the house, be discreet and alert. Criminals make it their business to know your schedules and routines. Alter your patterns from day to day. Use your back door to bring in new purchases, especially TV’s, VCR’s, etc.
If you are planning a trip, be conscious of how and when you load your car and the arrangements you make for mail and other deliveries while you are away. Invest in timers to turn lights on and off; leave a radio turned on.
The only people who should know you are gone are the people you tell.
Look out your window when you hear an unfamiliar noise; if you are at all suspicious, call 911. Don’t second guess your instincts. Neighborhood residents are the eyes and ears on the street for the police; when you see or hear something that concerns you, call. Secure your home. Exterior doors should be of solid core construction and equipped with quality deadbolt locks. Equip windows with secure locks and pins. Be sure your ad dress is visible from the street and from the alley. Close off your gangway with a gate. Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed. Use porch lights. Light is one of the best deterrents to crime, and it is inexpensive. Turn on outside lights, front and back, from dusk to dawn. Its also a good idea to have an indoor light automatically turned on at dusk.
If you notice a street or alley light not working, call SDCC, 862-5122, or report it directly to the City, 622-4800 (street lights) or Union Electric, 342-1000 (alley lights). Do not leave valuables in your car.
If you must leave packages in your car when you are shopping, lock them in the trunk before you reach your next destination. Do not leave them where they can be seen. Protect your person.
When you are walking, be alert and use common sense. Walk with another person whenever possible.
At night, walk close to the curb nearer street lights and away from doorways.
If you carry a purse, keep it close to your body, even under your coat. Place cash and credit cards in a wallet that you can slip in a pocket, out of your purse. Play it smart, and have a safe holiday season.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, December 1986.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1986_12.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
