City of Laurel, Maryland

The holidays are a special and joyous time of year. It is also a time when the citizens need to be alert to the possibility of crime. The City of Laurel and the Laurel Police Department encourage all citizens and visitors to the City to take simple precautions to ensure a safe and happy holiday season.

Please share these Holiday Safety Tips with your family, friends, and neighbors. These simple but effective tips and precautions can help you enjoy a happy and safe holiday.

Tips For Shopping

• Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
• Shop with a friend, there is safety in numbers.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check, credit or debit card.
• If possible, carry only your driver's license, personal checks, or necessary credit or debit cards.
• If you must carry a purse, do not wrap the straps around your arms or shoulders. Carry a clutch purse tightly under your arm or wear a fanny pack.
• Do not carry a wallet in a back pocket. It should be placed in a front pocket of your pants for safety.
• Be alert that crooks look for the "high dollar" shopping bags with your purchases. When possible, put bags/purchases in a plain nondescript bag.
• Watch purchases while eating in mall food courts; bags can easily be switched or taken.
• Educate your children about what to do if they are lost as well as "Strangers."
• Don't overburden yourself with too many packages. Use store's package pick-up.
• Have your car keys ready in hand before leaving the store.
• If you do return to your vehicle to unload purchases, place them in the truck of the vehicle.
• Try not to shop at the stores close to closing time. Remember, fewer people are present at this time.

Parking Lot Tips

• Shop early and leave early to avoid evening darkness.
• Park in a high visibility area and check for lighting in cases you leave during hours of darkness.
• Do not park next to a vehicle with tinted windows.
• Prior to arriving at the shopping center, lock all your valuables in the trunk of your vehicle.
• Leave the store with others, not alone.
• Ask security to escort you to your vehicle if you feel uncomfortable.
• Walk briskly, confidently, and directly through the parking lot. Be cautious of people handing out fliers or asking questions in parking area.
• Watch for people who may be following you. This can occur inside as well as outside. If you suspect someone is following your, report it to security immediately.

Protect Your Vehicle

• Keep your packages out of sight. Packages left out in the open make your car a target for theives.
• Always lock your vehicle and store your items out of sight including gifts, CDs, iPods, cell phones, or laptops.
• Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
• When returning to your vehicle or home, have your keys ready to open the door. Be sure to check the inside of the vehicle for an intruder.

Tips For Safe Holiday Travel

• Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained, including all children and backseat passengers.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. If traveling by plane, be sure to arrive at the airport earlier than normal.
• Drive defensively, not aggressively. Don't speed, tailgate, or engage in other dangerous driving behaviors.
• Get an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel your snow, and park in your driveway from time to time. Call the Laurel Police Department to arrange for checks of your house if you're gone for an extended period of time.
• Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped or arrange for someone to pick it up. If it piles up, it's a sure sign no one is home.
• Lock your doors and windows. Keep the outside of your house well lit and your curtains closed.
• Don't overload outlets and surge protectors. You could create an electrical short and possibly start a fire.
• Ensure you have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

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