Holiday Safety Tips from Orange County Sheriff’s Office

Horizon West Happenings • November 30, 2020

Stay Safe This Holiday Season with Operation Safe Holidays

Although things may look a little different this year, the holiday season is upon us! With it comes holiday shopping, travel, and Operation Safe Holidays from Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).

Each year, Operation Safe Holidays is enacted across the county to keep citizens and shoppers safe throughout the season. OCSO deputies will be out in greater numbers, but there are also things you can do to help protect yourself, your family and your belongings.

Online Shopping Safety – Avoid Porch Pirates

If the pandemic has shifted your purchases to online shopping:

Talk with your delivery driver and ask if they would place your packages out of view.
Track your packages so you know exactly when they will be delivered.
Have a neighbor pickup your packages if you cannot be there when they are delivered.
Use in-store pickup or pickup lockers if you cannot be home to receive valuable deliveries.
Use a virtual mailbox address like the Mail Membership at ScribbleSpace.CO
Talk to your apartment manager about delivery storage options.
Break down boxes for expensive items (TVs, Game Systems, etc.) and put them inside your recycling bin or take them to one of the complimentary ‘Burglary Box’ recycle bins throughout Orange County.

Holiday Shopping Safety - Don't Become a Victim

If you are shopping in person at retail stores:

Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
Do not become distracted. Put your phone away and stay aware of your surroundings.
Keep your purse close to your body or your wallet in an inside jacket pocket or front pants pocket.
If something seems suspicious, say something. Call 911. #SeeSomethingSaySomething
Stay alert for vehicles that may follow you home.
Don’t leave purchases in plain sight in your car. Lock them in your trunk.
Save your receipts and monitor your credit card activity.

Holiday Travel Safety - Safeguard Your Home

If you are traveling away from home for the holidays:

Lock all of the doors and windows to your home.
Secure valuables (jewelry, cash, small electronic devices, etc.).
Close the curtains and lower your blinds.
Do not leave any documents with personal information out for others to see.
Set your alarm and add light timers to give the appearance that someone is home.
Tell a trusted neighbor when you are leaving and returning. Provide them with an emergency contact number.
Place a hold on mail delivery before leaving.
Ask a neighbor or family member to check on your home and pick up any mail or packages dropped off in your absence.
Look around your house when you get home. If something seems out of place, go to a safe place, and call the police.