FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2024

Morgantown Police Department Shares Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - The Holidays are quickly approaching, and unfortunately, this time of year provides criminals with increased opportunities to exploit and take advantage of others. In an effort to increase public awareness, the Morgantown Police Department (MPD) suggests the following tips to help ensure your safety this holiday season.

Stay alert when shopping:

• When in crowded places, be alert for potential thieves. Don't overload yourself with packages; maintain visibility and mobility to avoid potential threats. 
• Be wary of strangers approaching you for any reason. 
• When possible, avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carrying large amounts of valuables. 
• Never leave personal belongings unattended. 
• There is safety in numbers; arrange to shop with friends and relatives instead of going out alone and make sure everyone looks out for each other.

Use precautions when shopping with children:

• Consider coaching children to find a store clerk or security guard if they get lost, and make sure they know their full name so they can advise someone who they are. 
• Give children a contact phone number they can carry on their person if they do become lost.

Secure your home:

• Be extra cautious about locking windows, sliders, and doors when leaving the premises for any length of time. It should be noted that the Morgantown Police Department has also seen cases in which criminals have entered homes through doggie-doors or other animal access points.
• Set indoor and outdoor lights on timers, and consider doing the same with a television or radio so it appears as if someone is home. 
• Never keep gifts or valuable objects in plain view from any window. Keep blinds, shutters, drapes, and curtains shut. 
• Inform someone who's trustworthy where you will be and when you might be expected back to your residence. 
• Ask a neighbor or other dependable persons to watch your house and retrieve your newspapers and mail if possible.
• You can increase your home security by signing up for MPD’s House Watch program or by starting a Neighborhood Watch program.

Monitor weather conditions:

• Anticipate inclement weather and plan accordingly. 
• Carry chains, keep sufficient gas in your vehicle's tank, and always use extreme caution while driving in inclement weather.

Remain vigilant when shopping online:

• The National Cyber Security Alliance recommends that you have a security suite (firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware) installed and up-to-date before shopping online. 
• Before you enter your personal and financial information for an online transaction, look for signs that the site is secure. 
• Never use unsecured wireless networks to make an online purchase. 
• Print and save records of your online transactions. 
• Read your credit card statements as soon as you get them to make sure there are no unauthorized charges. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately.

Celebrate responsibly:

• Watch how much you drink, and do not operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol. If needed, get a ride with someone who is sober. 
• The Morgantown Police Department recommends prearranging transportation if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages.

In the event of an emergency, always remember to call 911. For additional safety information, follow the Morgantown Police Department on Facebook and Instagram or visit morgantownpd.com.

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