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The holiday season is the perfect time to relax, reconnect and prepare for the upcoming year. But as you’re taking a break from business as usual, don’t forget to stay diligent when it comes to your family’s safety. Captain Alberto Seda from the Miami Gardens Police Department has the tips you need to have a fun, safe holiday and some crucial public safety updates.
“Citizens need to be aware of the prevalence of vehicle burglaries during this time of year, [and] many of these burglaries are committed because of unlocked vehicles,” said Seda. Visitors in town mean more cars in the driveway, so it’s essential to avoid leaving any valuables in vehicles, even when they’re on your property. If you plan to be away for the holidays, alert a neighbor or have a trusted friend or relative check on your home. For extra safety, “you can also have the Miami Gardens Police Department fill out a watch order on your home,” Seda advised.
While string lights, Christmas trees, and cozy winter candles all certainly make the season bright, festive decorations can become a hazard in the blink of an eye. If decorating, Seda suggests ensuring lights are turned off before leaving the house or going to sleep, as well as checking the wires of your string lights, replacing broken or missing bulbs, and using outdoorrated extension cords. As a general rule, Seda urges that residents “keep all decorations at least three feet from heat sources.”
If you’re taking advantage of online deals this holiday season, ensure delivered packages are not sitting unattended on your doorstep for long. Seda’s first recommendation is to install a Ring doorbell. These security devices monitor all activity and alert you when there is motion at your door. You can even use your cell phone to talk through the Ring’s speaker to anyone delivering, or trying to take, your items. If this solution isn’t practical for you, Seda suggested, “Have motion-activated lights installed, place delivery lockboxes in your property, and, if you are out, have your neighbor keep an eye out for your packages and hold them until you arrive.”
Over the course of this year, the Miami Gardens Police Department has been working hard to create an alliance between the police and the community, partnering with the City Council for community events like quarterly clean-ups, book bag giveaways, senior education, and movie nights. The Department plans to continue these efforts in the upcoming year with even more programming. Recently instituted was the Homeless Assistance program, where Officers offer support services to homeless residents throughout the City. The Department will also continue the quarterly crime watch reports, the Turkey instead of Tickets Campaign, Farm Share partnerships, gun violence prevention, traffic detail, and more.
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