General Safety Alert from MPD

SAFETY ALERT BULLETIN 07-03
The holiday season is a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors.

Remember the three A’s of crime prevention
Be Aware of your surroundings
Be Alert to suspicious people and vehicles
Avoid dangerous situation
Home Safety
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even if you will only be gone for a minute.
Don't put large displays of holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.
When going on trips or out for evenings, use automatic timers to turn indoor lights on and off to make it appear you are home.
Immediately after the holidays, engrave new gifts with an easily traced identification number (Operation I.D.) or your Wisconsin Driver's License.
Don't advertise what you got for Christmas by putting the boxes out on trash day. Break the boxes down or take them to the dump yourself.
Driving
Each December we turn our attention to the problem of drunk driving by observing National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Though the holidays bring joy in celebrations with family and friends, they also bring a tragic increase in the incidence of impaired driving. Avoid driving while they are under the influence of alcohol or drug.
Avoid driving alone or at night.
Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
When approaching and leaving your vehicle be aware of your surroundings.
Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location.
Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
Shopping Safety
Lock packages in the trunk.
Don't overload yourself with packages.
If you must shop in the evening, shop with a friend.
Park in well-lighted areas, as close as possible to store entrances. Be particularly aware of persons in the parking lot, especially near your car.
Lock your car and make sure the windows are closed.
Carry only the charge cards you will need. Don't carry or flash large sums of cash.
Carry your purse next to your body with the purse flap against you. Men should carry their wallets in front or inside pockets.
Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Don't allow your attention to become distracted from your purse or packages.
Children
If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security.
Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.
Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for help if you become separated in a store or shopping mall.
Don't hesitate to notify store security if you see suspicious activity.
If you have to wait for a ride, wait in a busy, well-lighted place.
If you are a victim of a crime, report it to police immediately.
Together we can reduce crime and enhance the quality of life in our community.

DALE SCHUNK
Milwaukee Police Department
Acting Chief of Police