The Holiday Season is an active time and requires extra vigilance to prevent theft. Many building management companies take extra precautions to protect tenants personal items and company equipment. Office thieves take advantage of opportunities and you can greatly reduce the chances of being victimized if you remove the opportunity. The same is true for home safety and while you and your family might be out holiday shopping. But, holiday protection is a team effort and everyone can do their part by remembering a few simple rules.
Office Safety
- Stay Alert! Opening, Lunch-time, and Closing are the high traffic times. Try to watch who is entering and leaving.
- Secure unattended holiday gifts, purses, wallets, coats and other valuables that would be attractive for thieves.
- Keep reception areas staffed at all times and lock all office outer doors that are not watched during business hours.
- Be wary of solicitors or suspicious persons. Asking “May I help you?” can deter a potential intruder who does not want to be confronted or identified.
- If you are working late, you should notify security that you are still in the building.
- Follow your own instincts. If something or someone doesn’t feel right, call security or the authorities.
Home Safety
- If you are away for the holidays, have someone pick up your papers & mail.
- Never leave Christmas lights on when no one is home. Ensure all ornaments and lights are in safe, working condition and fire resistant.
- Have a multi functional fire extinguisher available in your home.
- Check smoke detectors & Carbon Monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
- If you need to hide house keys for family members, avoid hiding them near any entrance. Be creative rather than use a door mat, mailbox, or flowerpot.
- When no one is home, use light timers set randomly to give the illusion that someone is home. Also, leave a radio on set to talk radio.
Street Safety
- Do not carry excessive number of credit cards. Carry cash separately from credit cards and checks.
- Try to avoid being a target by not carrying too many packages at one time.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Watch for persons following or standing too closely.
- Lock your purchases in the trunk of your car. Keep packages out of sight if possible.
- Avoid shopping alone if possible. Remember, there is safety in numbers.
- Use caution in public restrooms and never leave your packages coat, or purse outside of the stall.
- Be Alert for pickpockets. Their favorite places are elevators, crowded stores, revolving doors, and public transportation.
We hope everyone has a safe and happy holidays. If you have any questions or comments regarding this or any other PEO Outpost blog posting, please feel free to leave a comment and we will get back to you.
The LL Roberts Group
