Holiday Safety Tips

With holiday shopping underway, the Long Beach Police Department would like to remind our community to practice the following safety tips, which may prevent you from becoming a victim:

While Shopping:

• Place all gifts and packages in the trunk or out of sight
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and walk with confidence
• Park in well-lighted areas
• Avoid shopping alone; there is safety in numbers
• Use credit or debit cards for purchases to avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Keep car doors locked and windows closed
• Carry purses or bags close to your body
• Have your car keys in hand prior to arriving at your vehicle
• Immediately lock your car doors upon entry
• Report suspicious persons or packages to on-site security or police 

Suggestions for your home:

• Have packages delivered to a store, facility, or trusted neighbor
• Keep gifts in areas that cannot be seen from doorways or windows
• Install exterior motion sensor lighting and home security cameras
• Keep bushes and shrubbery trimmed to eliminate places for thieves to hide
• Postpone mail and newspaper deliveries while traveling
• Do not store gifts in vehicles or unsecured areas
• Schedule package deliveries for when someone is home to prevent porch piracy
• Immediately retrieve your packages upon notification from the seller, if applicable
  
  

Suggestions for business operators:

• Lock unused doors (in compliance with fire codes)
• Empty the cash register before closing and leave the drawer open
• Keep only necessary cash in the register
• Vary the schedule and route of your bank deposits each day
• Make sure the register is in plain view
• Ensure large items and general obstructions are away from windows to increase visibility
• Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations
• Invest in video surveillance cameras and ensure they are operational at all times
• Develop a mutual aid system among stores near you and keep an eye on one another
  

  SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
  Report suspicious activity: Call (562) 435-6711 For emergencies: Call 9-1-1