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- Promoting Public Safety
- Safety Tips
- Robbery & Burglary Safety
- Holiday Season Safety
Holiday Season Safety
The Fountain Valley Police Department encourages individuals to take extra safety precautions during the holiday season.
At Home
Many people like to display their Christmas Tree in the front window of their home where it can be seen from the street. Keep in mind that observers can include potential thieves who are looking for visible items in your house or under the tree. Stereo items, jewelry, computer components, expensive sporting goods equipment, and toys are commonly displayed out in the open after being unwrapped.
These are also the items that are taken during burglaries, except that a burglar must ransack a home in order to find them. Put the new toys away after the unwrapping festivities have ended. Trash day is also an occasion when a thief takes notice of what is now inside of a residence. Take the time to cut up any boxes and place them in closed containers so the labels are not visible.
Vehicle Safety
Never leave any item of value visible inside your vehicle. If you absolutely must leave a valuable item in your vehicle, lock it up in the trunk. Remember to “Move It or Lose It”.
ATM Safety
Criminals take advantage of the holiday season to fraudulently solicit for charitable contributions. Do your research and only contribute to reputable charities. Door-to-door solicitors may be casing the interior of your home when you open the door. Use a peephole, and do not open the door unless you know who is outside. Telephone solicitors can be relentless. If you are not familiar with the charity calling, be firm and end the call promptly.
At Home
Many people like to display their Christmas Tree in the front window of their home where it can be seen from the street. Keep in mind that observers can include potential thieves who are looking for visible items in your house or under the tree. Stereo items, jewelry, computer components, expensive sporting goods equipment, and toys are commonly displayed out in the open after being unwrapped.
These are also the items that are taken during burglaries, except that a burglar must ransack a home in order to find them. Put the new toys away after the unwrapping festivities have ended. Trash day is also an occasion when a thief takes notice of what is now inside of a residence. Take the time to cut up any boxes and place them in closed containers so the labels are not visible.
Vehicle Safety
Never leave any item of value visible inside your vehicle. If you absolutely must leave a valuable item in your vehicle, lock it up in the trunk. Remember to “Move It or Lose It”.
ATM Safety
- Prepare deposit slips beforehand.
- Shield the keypad with your hand or body when entering your personal identification number (PIN).
- Do not leave your transaction record behind at the ATM.
- When using a drive-up ATM, roll up the windows and lock the doors.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. If you notice anything suspicious, use another ATM or return later.
- If you must use an ATM at night, consider taking someone with you.
- If you see something attached to the ATM card reader, do not use it. Make the bank aware of the object or call the police department.
Criminals take advantage of the holiday season to fraudulently solicit for charitable contributions. Do your research and only contribute to reputable charities. Door-to-door solicitors may be casing the interior of your home when you open the door. Use a peephole, and do not open the door unless you know who is outside. Telephone solicitors can be relentless. If you are not familiar with the charity calling, be firm and end the call promptly.