holidaytips

Holiday Security Tips
By the Office of Public Safety

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year. It is also a time when people may become careless and vulnerable to theft and other crime. Use these tips as a guide to holiday security.

Office Security

* Ensure your office door is always secured when you are not present.
* Always ensure your purse/wallet/p-card is secured in a file cabinet or desk.
* Never leave your laptop unsecured or in an unlocked vehicle.
* Have a list of serial numbers for all electronic equipment (both personal and state).
* Report all suspicious persons immediately to Public Safety at 706-737-1401.

holly Shopping Security

When using credit cards, make sure that only one credit slip is printed with your charge card. Also, be sure to tear up any carbons that may be used to complete the transaction.
Dress casually and comfortably.
Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
If you stop for a bite to eat, be especially aware of your wallet or handbag. Don't leave handbags or shopping bags behind you. Place them in front of you where you can see them.
Be prepared to flee potential problems. If apprehensive about a location for any reason, leave. Consider carrying a whistle. Weapons are not recommended and may be unlawful.
Try to shop with friends or relatives. Not only is there safety in numbers, but shopping in a group will give you a chance to catch up on things and renew friendships.
Keys should not be carried in your purse. In the event of a purse snatching, the thief will have your address and keys to your home.
Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit. Remember not to carry open-weave bags or purses without zippers or flaps. Those items are easy marks for pickpockets.
Walk confidently with your head up, and stay in well-lit and well-traveled areas. Pay attention to people walking in front of and behind you.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. If you carry a purse, keep it in front of you and close to your body.
Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen, or misused.
Keep cash in your front pocket.
Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
Carry a minimal amount of credit cards and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
When using public washrooms, use extreme caution. Try to avoid putting your purse on hooks or door handles.

In Parking Areas

Park in a well-lit area as close as possible to mall entrances.
Store your packages in the trunk of your car.
Have your keys ready when returning to your vehicle.
Leave only your ignition key with a valet or parking attendant.
If you have car trouble, remain in your car and use a cell phone to call for assistance, or return to the mall and notify security.

Reducing Risk of Identity Theft

Be careful not to leave your credit cards with store merchants.
Be wary of providing your credit card information over the phone where the wrong person could overhear your account number and other important information.
When shopping online, purchase goods from only those web sites that you know to be legitimate.
Check your credit card statements regularly, to ensure there is no unauthorized activity.
Shred credit card statements—and all documents with personal information—before throwing them into the trash.
If you notice unauthorized activity on your credit card, notify your credit card company immediately.
When using your ATM card to withdraw money, be sure no one can see you typing in your PIN.
Resist the urge to put personal information in holiday cards or on family web sites; it is too easy for a card to be delivered to the wrong address and get into the wrong hands.

Have a safe holiday season!

December 2006
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