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Home > Post > Post 12 > Post 12 News Release > 2009 News Releases > News Release

Holiday Greetings From KSP Post 12

Date of News Release: 12/07/2009

(Post 12 Frankfort) -- The holidays are to be a joyous time spent with family and friends. As the Christmas holiday nears, so does the stress from our preparations for the holiday. We attempt to add multiple tasks in our day to day lives, which includes shopping for last minute gifts.

While most of us are in the spirit of giving, there remain a few who see this as an opportune time for crime. Burglars, muggers, and pickpockets see this as an opportunity because they understand people are more careless during the holidays and they have more goods to take away from their victims.

Law enforcement agencies see a significant increase in burglaries and thefts during the holiday season and for that reason I would like to share a few tips to help keep you safe this holiday season:

IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING

• Place your lights and stereo or television on a timer
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time. Make it appear there is activity at your residence.
• Either stop your mail and newspaper or have a neighbor or friend pick it up daily.
• Allow sufficient time to safely arrive at your destination.
• Motorists are urged to slow down and use courtesy when travelling.
• Always be aware of seat belt safety and please buckle up.
• Make sure child safety seats are installed properly.
• Remember to always utilize a designated driver when needed.
• Keep speeds within the posted speed limits.

IF YOU ARE OUT FOR THE EVENING

• Turn on a radio and lights or television so it looks like someone is home.
• Make an extra effort to lock windows and doors
• Don't display gifts and expensive items where they can be seen from the outside.

F YOU'RE ARE SHOPPING

• Remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket.
• Shopping with kids? Take a friend to assist and teach children to report to a clerk or security guard immediately if they become separated.

IF A STRANGER COMES TO THE DOOR, BEWARE

• Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
• It is not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others' generosity during the holidays by asking for charitable donations when charities are not involved. Criminals may use the recent natural disasters as a sympathy approach.
• Use a peephole to see who is at the door and don't answer for someone you don't know.
• Ask for identification and a phone number to call the company, which the person states he or she represents. Call information or check the phone book to assure it is not a phony number with another criminal on the line.
• If you are unsatisfied with the organization, don't give your money, wait and contribute to a charitable organization you wish to help at a later date.
• If you feel unsafe or unsure about the person at your door, call a neighbor to step outside and call the police.

TAKE A HOLIDAY INVENTORY

The holidays are a good time to update-or create-your home inventory. Takes photos or make videos of items, and list the description including identifying marks and the serial numbers, which will help police identify and recover items. Keep the detailed list in a safe place where it can be obtained in the event of a fire or burglary of your home.

As always, the state police will be conducting traffic enforcement during the holiday season to help motorists make it safely to their destination. We encourage citizens to assist officers in keeping the roadways safer by reporting suspected impaired drivers by calling toll free 1-800-222-5555 (in the state of Kentucky only, does not work out of state). Just report the direction of travel, a description of the vehicle and the license number and the police will take it from there.

The troopers and staff from the Frankfort Post wish everyone a Happy Holiday season and encourage all to make time to get together with families, friends, and neighbors. And remember the spirit of the season is in helping someone who's less fortunate or spending the holiday alone this season.

Captain Mike Crawford
Kentucky State Police
Commander Post 12

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