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As the fall season sets in, temperatures drop, and the sun sets earlier each day. While we are all busy enjoying the change in season, it is essential to remember that this time of the year is perfect for petty criminals.
Here are a few simple tips that will help to keep you from being a victim of theft.
Turn on those lights! Criminals don’t like bright lights. A carefully placed floodlight on a motion sensor is an economical way to prevent people from lurking in the shadows around your home and business.
Lock those doors! Most vehicle burglaries are spontaneous events. If a thief is confronted with a locked door, he will likely move on to the next car.
Keep your valuables in the house. You would not believe how many people will leave valuable electronics like laptops and GPS units in an unlocked car. Lock your car.
Where are your serial numbers? When we solve a burglary, one of our priorities is to return the property to the rightful owner. That is why it is vital to keep important serial numbers listed somewhere.
Don’t be afraid to call! You know what is typical for your neighborhood and what is out of the ordinary. If you see any suspicious activities, don’t hesitate to contact your Broward Sheriff’s Office at 954-764-4357 (764-HELP), or 911 for emergency response.
Halloween will also be upon us very soon. Below are a few suggestions to ensure that our kids have a safe and fun night while out trick-or-treating.
Costumes:
- Choose light or bright colored costumes and use light-reflective tape.
- Children shouldn’t wear a mask; it restricts vision. If a mask must be worn, cut large eye holes. Make-up or face paint is much safer because it won’t obstruct vision.
- Toy weapons, wands, brooms, swords, etc., should be made of cardboard; it’s safer than plastic, wood, or metal.
- Put your child’s name, address, and phone number on the INSIDE of their costume in case of an accident or lost child.
- Children should wear comfortable shoes. Poor-fitting shoes may cause a fall.
- Trick or Treat bags should not be too large. They can obscure vision or cause a child to trip.
- Make sure wigs and costumes are fireproof.
Trick or Treat Safety:
- Eat a full meal before going out so your child won’t be tempted to eat treats before they can be properly checked. Tell your children not to eat anything until you’ve checked it!
- Plan your child’s route and visit only homes in your neighborhood that are well lit.
- Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
- Travel in a group or with an adult. Never enter a home.
- Cross streets at corners, never from between two vehicles.
- When crossing a street, STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN. Look both ways before crossing.
- Walk on the sidewalk or face traffic if there are no sidewalks.
- Watch for cars driving into or backing out of driveways.
Treats – Give them a Safety Check:
- Check for holes or loose wrappers. Pour powdered candy into a container and look for lumps or discoloration.
- Don’t eat opened candy, fruit, etc., unless you know the person it came from.
- Wash fruit, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Soft candy should also be cut up into pieces before eating.
- Homemade treats should not be eaten unless you are sure they came from a safe source.
Tricks – Tell your children:
- Remember, Halloween is a good time for dangerous strangers, so be careful.
- Don’t play pranks. Damaging other people’s property is a crime.
- If your child is a victim of a crime (stolen candy, intimidation, threats, etc.), talk to the suspect’s parents or call BSO if you wish to prosecute.
Safety Around the Home:
- Do not light candles around the walkways. If you want luminaries or to light a jack-o-lantern, use a battery-operated light source.
- Keep walkways unobstructed and well-lit.
- Don’t let anyone you don’t know into your home.
Safe Alternatives:
- Local shopping malls will sometimes have Trick or Treat nights.
- Local churches sponsor Trunk or Treats.
- Attend community sponsored events.
- Host a family party.
Whatever your plans are for the next couple of months, take the necessary steps to provide a safe environment for you and your family, and remember to report any unusual or suspicious activity to your BSO partners.
