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Many of us are waiting for things to return to normal after another year of navigating COVID-19. Thankfully, the holiday season presents opportunities to reconnect with family and friends—following CDC protocols—and to forget about the stressors of the year gone by.
The Miami Gardens Police Department (MGPD) hosted several events to help the public enjoy a safe and fun holiday season, including a number of turkey and food drives, a Turkey Instead of Tickets initiative, and a Christmas in the Gardens event.
The Department reminds residents to be vigilant during the holiday season for Grinch-like burglars and thieves. “Stay aware of your surroundings and limit your contact with strangers,” said Miami Gardens Police Sergeant Dana Levine. “If something feels funny, then it is funny.”
Criminals are looking for loot around this time of year, so places that may normally seem safe can present unexpected dangers. “Even entering a gas station to pay for gas can pose a risk because someone can possibly break your window and take what they see. Never leave money in plain view and never leave weapons inside your vehicle unattended,” he said.
Levine encourages residents to shop early to reduce the risk of having their deliveries stolen. He suggests putting measures in place to protect against the activities of porch pirates.
“It’s a good idea to make online purchases, but make sure someone is home to retrieve the deliveries,” he said. “Keep lights or the TV on when you’re not home and make friends with your neighbors, so they will also look out for your interests.”
If someone isn’t home to receive the packages, technology can help. “Cameras are a good way to stop lawn and package burglaries. Even if the cameras aren’t monitored, [the presence of them] still can stop a possible burglary,” he said.
Stay aware of your surroundings if you’re a more traditional shopper and plan to head to the store to cross items off your holiday shopping list. “Refrain from late-night shopping and ATM usage,” Levine said. “Never leave purses and purchases on the front seat or in plain view in the car.”
As always, contact the police if you suspect anything illegal. Call 911 in case of an emergency, 305-474-6473 for non-emergencies, or stop by the MGPD at 18611 N.W. 27 Avenue, Miami Gardens.
For more information, you can reach the Miami Gardens Police Department on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
