For most families, December is a season for gift-giving and love, but it can also be a season of opportunity for thieves to take advantage of the unaware and unprepared. With the year’s final week of merriment just around the corner, there are a number of ways to ensure a happy but safe holiday.

To deter shop lifting, theft, breaking and entry and other crimes, the Howard County police will have additional officers patrolling local businesses in cars, on foot and on bicycles through New Year’s Day. They will also be paying special attention to impaired driving, speeding and other driving violations and conducting numerous DUI checkpoints. They advise County residents to be more careful and alert during the holiday season.

Holiday safety tips:

When You’re Shopping

• Shop, during the day if possible, with a group or in pairs.
• Always lock your car and look inside before entering.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Leave one hand free to quickly access keys or phone.
• Park in a highly visible well-lighted space.
• Never leave valuables or packages in sight in your car.
• If you feel uncomfortable when a stranger approaches, walk in another direction or walk backwards towards a store or business.
• Be very aware of your surrounding when using an ATM and try to avoid using them at night.
• Shop only with reputable online retailers that offer secure transactions.
• When the holidays are over, don’t put boxes for electronics or valuables in plain view on recycling day.

When You’re Away from Home

• If you are expecting a delivery, ask a neighbor to bring the packages inside.
• Have a neighbor watch your home.
• Secure doors and windows and turn on lights, a TV or radio so it appears that someone is home.
• Use automatic light timers if you’ll be gone for awhile.
• Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside.
• Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
• Leave an emergency phone number with local police department.

Howard County General Hospital wishes you a very happy and safe holiday season!