Crime prevention tips for the holiday and winter months

From the Fairwood Surveillance (Security and Safety) Committee

Fall has arrived and daylight savings time has come to an end. What many of us became accustomed to doing in daylight earlier this year will now occur in darkness: going to your vehicle after work, picking up your children from after-school activities and sports. Some residents may already be doing holiday shopping during evening hours. This is a time of year when thieves seek to take advantage of darkness to victimize unsuspecting citizens regardless of locality.

Although we may not be able to stop determined criminals, we can dissuade them from operating in our community through vigilance.

Here are a few crime prevention tips we hope you will consider:

Vehicle Security

Even during the winter months, police receive reports from citizens of vehicle thefts or thefts from vehicles. Thieves are opportunists and will look for the vehicle that is unlocked or those that may be locked, but have valuables left visibly inside. Don’t make it easy for them:

• Close all windows before locking your vehicle.
• Lock your vehicle even if you are only going to be away from it a short time.
• Lock your vehicle even if it is parked in your driveway or on the street in front of your home.
• Do not leave valuables (i.e. fur coats, purses, wallets, cellular phones, cameras, laptop computers, etc.) inside your vehicle, even if it is locked.
• Report any theft from your vehicle immediately to the police.

Holiday Safety

This holiday season, don't let the spirit of giving lure you into giving burglars, scammers and muggers an opportunity to make you their victim. Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it's an opportune time for crime. 

• Beware of strangers that come to the door, who sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
• Be cautious when accepting a package at your door.
• It's not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others' generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door with charitable donations scams. Ask such individuals for identification and find out how the funds will be used.
• Be aware of your surroundings; look out for suspicious vehicles parked in Fairwood or following you home. 
• Be sure not to advertise in your trash - large and expensive purchased items. Break down all boxes and enclose them in black plastic bags whenever possible. 

Report All Suspicious Activity. Notify security at 301-254-2365 whenever you see suspicious activity or people/vehicles that look out of place. If you believe a crime is being committed that jeopardizes life and property, please contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s by calling 911. Otherwise, call the non-emergency number (301-352-1200) and provide information including, make/model of vehicle, tag number, description of individuals involved and nature of activity.

Report All Suspicious Activity

REMEMBER: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!!