Holiday Safety Tips Offered by Fayetteville Police Department

With more people out and about during the holiday season it's a good idea to take a little extra caution and ensure that your holidays are safe and merry. Crime prevention specialists with the Fayetteville Police Department offer the following safety tips for residents. The tips are also listed the department's public Facebook Page.

Tips for Shoppers:

• There is safety in numbers, shop with others
• Keep valuables in the trunk or locked glove compartment, always out of sight
• Park in well lit areas
• Wear comfortable, modest clothing, leave valuable, expensive looking jewelry at home
• Never park between two large vehicles
• Have your keys on hand when exiting shopping location
• If you load packages in the trunk of your vehicle, consider changing parking spaces
• Don't carry large amounts of cash
• Don't carry a purse, if possible, place a small wallet with only necessary items in your front pocket
• Carry yourself with confidence, look people in the eye

Tips for Using an ATM:

• Try not to visit ATM machines at night, plan ahead
• Use ATM machines that are visible to passers-by and that are in well lit areas
• Avoid isolated machines
• If using an ATM at night, use the buddy system
• Be aware of your surroundings, scan the location and if something doesn't feel right choose an alternative location
• Have your card ready when you step up to the machine
• Don't wear expensive jewelry

Tips for Drivers:

• Drive a vehicle in good working condition and one with a sufficient amount of gas
• Always keep your car in gear with doors and windows locked
• Stay alert, especially at intersections and stop lights
• If you are lost find a public place to read a map or ask for directions
• If your are being followed, do not drive home or exit your car. Drive to a safe location for help. Call 911
• Never pick up hitchhikers

Tips for Workers:

• Make sure doors and windows are not obstructed, keep two-way visibility
• Keep the outside of your business clean and well lit
• Greet all customers that enter the store
• Make sure the cash register area is visible to outside observers
• Keep a minimum amount of money in register
• Advertise outside that you keep a minimal amount of cash in the register and that you do not accept large bills
• Use a safe that clerks cannot open alone or that requires two keys. Post this information conspicuously, including on the safe itself
• Use video surveillance and make it well known that you are using it
• Have two clerks working, especially at night
• Vary your banking routine
• Make deposits often
• Be aware of loiterers or customers glancing around the store while appearing to shop
• Two employees should be at store opening and closing
• Keep internal office, supply and rear doors locked at all times. Have employees use the front entrance
• Place graduated height markers at all doors to assist in providing better descriptions of offenders.

In all these cases, individuals who observe suspicious persons, activity or vehicles should contact 911 immediately.