VALLEY — Unfortunately the holiday season can oftentimes spur an increase in criminal activity in communities and since the holiday season has started, the Alamosa Police Department would like to provide the community with a list of safety reminders for those who are out driving, shopping, or leaving for the holiday. While these safety reminders are good any time of the year, they are especially important now.

Driving:

1. Don’t DRINK and drive, designate a sober driver if you plan to attend events/functions/parties and consume alcohol or drugs.
2. With winter road conditions setting in, BE SMART, keep windows clear of snow/ice at all times and avoid driving when roads are especially unsafe.
3. Keep car windows rolled up and doors locked while traveling and avoid driving into dark, unlit, and less-populated areas.

Shopping:

1. When possible, shop with another person and avoid shopping alone.
2. If you are shopping alone and are concerned about walking to your car, ask a store employee if he/she can escort you.
3. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and/or credit cards.
4. Avoid parking in areas next to large vehicles or vehicles with dark tinted windows; shoppers should try to stay in well-lit and high visibility areas.
5. Keep car doors locked and windows rolled up while in the store.
6. Keep presents and purchases stored in the vehicle out of view; preferably in the trunk.
7. Avoid leaving a vehicle unattended with children inside or while it is running.
8. Carry your wallet in your front pants pocket, or your purse securely around your shoulder.
9. Avoid setting personal belongings down while in stores shopping.
10. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry while shopping.
11. If you must use an ATM; use those in well-lit and well-populated areas.
12. Secure your credit/debit card PIN numbers.
13. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS!

Home Safety:

1. Lock windows and doors, even if out of the home for a short period of time.
2. If you leave town for the holiday, have a trusted neighbor, family member, or friend watch your home while you are away. Have your newspapers picked up, mail collected, and maintain the appearance that you are at home.
3. Utilize timers on lights, TVs, and radios so that your home appears occupied.
4. Avoid placing large displays of gifts in front of windows and areas visible to pedestrians and cars.
5. REPORT suspicious persons and vehicles that are in your neighborhood.

Package Pirates:

“Package Pirating” is a crime that is becoming very common; especially during the holiday season. As people begin ordering and shipping Christmas gifts and other items at a much greater frequency to their home, thieves are lurking in the shadows or prowling through neighborhoods looking to steal packages. Here are some tips to keep your packages from being stolen this Christmas! If your packages are stolen, please report the theft to your local police department.

1. Take advantage of delivery alert apps on your phone.
2. When possible, have packages delivered to your office or to a friend or neighbor's house who will be home during the day.
3. If a retailer allows it, select a specific time for delivery when you will be home.
4. Install a video surveillance system

Snow removal:

Remove snow from your sidewalks and public access areas around your house, not only can you be ticketed, injuries coming as a result from falls on snow and ice are quite common.

The Alamosa Police Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season!