The Methuen Police Department wants to Help you keep yourself and your valuables Safe during this Holiday Season.
Don’t let the rush and excitement of the Holiday Season make you careless in protecting yourself, your home, and your gifts from potential criminals.
Please read and follow our safety tips below!
Preventing Purse Snatching
1.) Carry only what you need for shopping in your front pocket
2.) Be aware of your surroundings and walk only in well lit areas
3.) Shop with a Friend
4.) When entering and exiting your vehicle, visually check the area for suspicious people.
5.) If you become a victim, do not struggle with your attacker. Call 911 as soon as you can and relay as many details as you can remember. Include details about the suspect as well as if there was a vehicle involved.
Protecting Your Vehicle and Yourself
1.) Never leave your vehicle running, or keys in the ignition while you are away from it.
2.) Place your purchases and other valuables in the trunk, out of plain view of a would be criminal.
3.) Never leave your GPS, cell phone, laptop, or other valuables out in plain view.
4.) Do not leave empty packages, loose change, charging cords of any kind, or any bags, visible in your vehicle. Curious criminals will see these items and assume that there is other items of value in the vehicle.
5.) Buy a car alarm and other visual deterrents such as a steering wheel locking tool.
6.) Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows, and never approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
Safeguarding Your Home for the Holidays
1.) Place indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer
2.) Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even it it is just for a few minutes
3.) When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor, family member, or someone you trust watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
4.) Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
5.) Never display Holiday Gifts that can be seen through the windows or doors of your home.
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON!