Holiday Tips for Shoppers and Sales Personnel

The holiday shopping season is here again. This list of safety tips is as important as your gift list. Check this list twice before you head for the stores this year!

• Be alert and aware. Be attentive to your surroundings at all times.
• Do not carry more cash or valuables than is necessary. Be discreet so that you do not attract attention.
• Take extra precautions with your wallet or purse. Carry your purse with the opening flap next to your body and with the strap hung over your shoulder.
• Allow for darkness. It gets dark early this time of year, so be sure to factor this into shopping plans.
• Instruct children on holiday safety measures. Know where your children are at all times. Before going shopping, decide where to meet if you and your children should get separated.
• Always lock your car doors and remember where you park.
• Be sure to put valuables out of sight (i.e. packages, purses, mobile phones, CDs, etc.). Place them in the trunk or take them with you.
• Never hide spare keys in or on your car. These hiding places are easily discovered. If you need spare keys, keep them in your wallet or purse.
• Be alert to suspicious persons or circumstances. Avoid parking where you see someone sitting in their vehicle for no apparent reason.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation, report it to security immediately.
• When walking in any parking lot, grocery store, airport, shopping center, etc., walk confidently with your head up, make eye contact, and have your keys ready.
• Do not drive across parking stalls. Use appropriate marked driving lanes and obey all traffic signs.
• Drive defensively and courteously.
• Report all suspicious activity.
• And remember, parking lots will be more crowded and checkout lanes will be busier, so be patient and have a safe shopping experience.

And now, here are some tips for sales personnel concerning counterfeit money.

• Do not return suspected money to the passer.
• Stall the suspect as long as possible.
• Get a good description of the suspect, anyone with the suspect, and of the suspect vehicle as well as the license number.
• Call 911 as soon as possible.
• Try not to handle the bill; put it in a protective covering such as an envelope.
• Release the suspected bill only to police or to the United States Secret Service.

Have a happy and safe holiday season.

What to Do if You Are Stopped by a Police Officer

Police officers must continually engage citizens during the course of their duties.  Law enforcement officers are trained how to do so safely, efficiently, and effectively.  A problem can occur, however, when citizens do not know how to react and respond when approached or engaged by a police officer. 

Why would a police officer want to talk to me?
Police officers work off information provide by citizens and their own observations.  There are a variety of reasons an officer would want to question you.

• Checking out a complaint phoned into 911 by someone in your neighborhood.
• A crime has just occurred in the area you are in or live in.
• You could be a possible witness.
• You might fit the description of the suspect.
• Another citizen pointed you out as a witness or a suspect.
• Officers' observations may lead them to think you need assistance or are acting suspicious.
• A routine traffic stop.

If you are not sure why you are being stopped, ask politely at the appropriate time.  Keep in mind that some investigations are time sensitive and the officer might not have time to explain things to you.

Tips for when you are stopped by a police officer

• Respectful forthright responses usually resolve the situation faster.
• Avoid sudden unexplained movements.
• Keep your hands visible at all times. Do not put them in your pockets.
• If in a vehicle, pull over safely out of the flow of traffic.
  • At night, turn on your interior light in the vehicle.
  • Do not get out unless told to do so.
  • Place your hands on the steering wheel.
• Remain calm and ask permission for whatever movements you're going to make before moving.
• Do not argue. Guilt or innocence can only be determined in court.

Following these few tips can lead to proper communication with an officer and less likelihood of problems that could be easily avoided.  Always remember that police officers prepare for the worst to happen and initially treat all situations as if the worst was about to happen.  This helps keep both officers and citizens safe. 

Internal Theft Prevention

All businesses suffer from some form of internal theft. It is estimated that 75–80% of all theft that occurs in a business is employee theft. The remainder of the loss comes from shoplifting. This statistic shows that a higher concentration of prevention should go towards internal theft.

Methods of Internal Theft

There are several different ways to commit the crime of internal theft.  Below is only a short list of examples of different methods.

• Employees may hide merchandise or goods either on their person or in a handbag, lunch box, backpack, or briefcase and take it out of the business during a break in their shift or at the end of shift.
• Employees may remove equipment or merchandise from the building in the trash and retrieve it later.
• Employees may give employee discounts to friends or family members.
• The employee may overcharge customers and pocket the extra money.
• Checks may be issued and cashed for returned merchandise not actually returned.

Prevention Strategies

A business should put together policies and procedures to lower the possibility of internal theft.  Below is list of prevention strategies for internal theft.

• Develop a purchase policy that specifies how employee purchases are to be processed.  Do not allow employees to process their own sales.
• Provide lockers for employees and develop a policy stating that employees may not take personal articles such as purses, backpacks, lunch boxes, and briefcases into merchandise areas.
• Restrict employees, in non-emergency situations, to a single monitored exit.
• Number refunds and keep control over refund books.
• Develop a policy regarding trash removal.  Use transparent trash bags.  Flatten all trash cartons and boxes.  Spot check trash containers.
• Perform random checks of employees and employee areas.
• Do not permit truck drivers to load their own vehicles without inspection or supervision.
• Develop strong audit controls by outside auditors and inventory all supplies, equipment, and merchandise regularly and often.
• Develop and maintain an effective access management policy for all keys.
• Have returned merchandise inspected by someone other than the person that made the sale.
• Limit the amount of cash allowed to accumulate in a cash register and make unannounced counts on registers.
• Bookkeepers should not be responsible for shipping and receiving merchandise.  Purchasing should not be involved in any aspect of accounts receivable or the receipt of merchandise.
• All cashbook entries should be checked against cash on hand at the end of each day.
• Perform audits of blank checks, order forms, payment authorizations, vouchers, receipt forms, and all other forms which authorize or verify transactions.
• Employees responsible for preparing payroll should not be involved in its distribution.
• Require that all customers receive a receipt.
• All prospective employees should have a criminal and prior-employment background check done on them.
• All inventory shortages should be immediately and aggressively investigated.

Tips for Latchkey Children

 Latchkey children is a term that's often used to describe children who must stay at home alone taking care of themselves for some part of the day. Usually, they're the children of working parents. Experts estimate that from 5 to 12 million children between the ages of 5 and 13 are at home alone for some period of time every day. In many cases, their parents either cannot afford child care, or none is available.

These children are about three times more likely to be involved in accidents, engage in delinquent behavior, or be victimized than those supervised by adults. Parents who must leave their children home alone on a regular basis are often gravely concerned with not only their ability to handle potentially dangerous situations but how they cope with routine activities.

Some children enjoy caring for themselves and happily accept the added responsibilities. Others will occasionally be lonely, bored, or scared. However, for all children the experience can be an opportunity for parents to discuss all aspects of safety and crime prevention, as well as build their children's self-esteem, confidence, and competence. Studies show that a close relationship with parents decreases or moderates any negative effects of self-care.

To promote self-care skills, parents should focus on setting rules and limits, increasing levels of responsibility, and communicating basic safety information. If children understand why they must be left alone and what they may and may not do, their risk of injury and victimization will be greatly decreased. Discuss the routines they are to follow–household chores, pets to tend, homework, family policies on visiting friends or having friends visit them, and what to do when the phone or doorbell rings. If you won't be home at your regular time, let your children know.

The following items are important for parents to teach their children:

• To memorize their name and address, including city and state.
• To memorize their phone number, including area code.
• How to use both push-button and rotary dial phones to make emergency, local, and long distance calls, and how to reach the operator.
• To check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.
• To never enter your home if a door is ajar or a window is broken.
• How to work your home's door and window locks, and to always lock them when they are at home alone.
• How to answer the doorbell and phone when they're home alone.
• Not to go into anyone else's home without your permission.
• To avoid walking or playing alone.
• That if they feel they're being followed, either on foot or by a car, to run to the nearest public place, neighbor, or "Safe House."
• That a stranger is someone neither you nor they know well.
• To tell you if anyone asks them to keep a secret, offers them gifts or money, or asks to take their picture.
• To tell you if something happened while they were away from you that made them feel uncomfortable in any way.

Ensuring that your children know and understand the items on this list will help turn their latchkey hours into a positive learning experience that builds a sense of responsibility and confidence.

Avoiding Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud is a problem that continues to worsen. With the busy holiday shopping season beginning, the chances of fraud increase. To help avoid being a victim, follow these tips:

• Photocopy you credit cards and keep them at home with the credit card company's security or customer service number.  That way if your cards are lost or stolen, you can quickly call and cancel the cards with the account numbers handy.
• Men should not carry credit cards in a wallet. Carry them in a business card holder or at least in another pocket, separate from the billfold. Women should avoid carrying the cards in their wallet as well; secure the credit cards in a separate area of the purse.
• Avoid carrying more credit or debit cards than you plan to use.
• When using the cards, be aware of people around you. Someone could be attempting to copy your card number.
• During any kind of a card transaction, keep the card in sight at all times.
• Make sure to obtain and destroy any receipts or copies as soon as practicable. You may wish to wait until you check the receipts against the billing statements.
• Open the monthly billing statements as soon as possible so you can check to see if there has been any unauthorized usage.
• Be sure to promptly notify the card companies if you fail to receive a monthly statement.
• Make sure to fill in any blank spaces on the receipts even if you just mark a line through them.
• Be sure to notify the credit card companies of any change of address.
• Avoid giving your card number or any information about your card companies to phone solicitors.

If you should lose your credit cards or if they have been stolen, call the card company as soon as possible. Most card companies will list 24-hour emergency numbers on the monthly statements.

Annoyance, Malicious, and Harassing Telephone Calls

Annoyance and malicious phone calls can become a chronic problem. They may include random calls by pranksters, frequent pointless calls, calls where the caller does not say anything, obscene calls, calls from former romantic interest, or threatening phone calls. These calls are intended to upset the caller who receives them, either for revenge or to satisfy the caller’s personal urges. These calls can often be prevented or avoided by persons learning and using some simple techniques to decrease their potential for victimization.

Hang up. If the caller does not speak, is obscene, or asks inappropriate questions, or you simply don’t feel comfortable talking to them, hang up the telephone. When doing so, don’t slam the receiver down. This will only let the caller know that you are upset and may encourage their behavior.

Don’t Talk To Strangers. If the caller asks, “who is this?” or “what number have I reached?” don’t give an answer. Instead ask, “Who do you want?” or “What number were you calling?” Don’t give out any information to anyone you don’t positively recognize or who fails to give satisfactory identification or affiliation. If the caller asks for your roommate or another member of your family, simply say that you will be glad to take a message and have the call returned as promptly as possible. Under no circumstances should you give the names of others living with you to someone who doesn’t already know them.

If you have children, instruct them not to talk to strangers on the telephone. Burglars or other criminals will sometimes attempt to obtain useful information from unsuspecting children. Teach children to ask for the caller’s name and number so someone can return the call later.

Keep Cool. Don’t let the caller know you are angry or upset. This is the reaction that they want and it will often encourage them.

Don’t Play Detective. Don’t extend the call attempting to figure out who the caller is. This may be the reaction the caller wants or needs.

Don’t Try To Be Clever. A witty response may be interpreted as a sign of encouragement.

Don’t Try To Be A Counselor. The caller may need professional help, but may only be encouraged by your concern and will continue calling.

Be Careful Who You Tell About The Calls. Many calls of this type are actually made by friends, family members, or someone else you know. If they find out you are upset or concerned, the calls may continue.

Place Ads With Caution. When placing an ad with a newspaper or on a bulletin board, use a newspaper or post office box number, if possible. If you must use your telephone number, do not list your address. Crank callers are often avid readers of classified ads.

Report Annoying Or Malicious Telephone Calls. Make a record of what time calls were received, what the date was, what was said, what the voice was like, what the phone number was (caller I.D.), etc. Report these phone calls to the appropriate law enforcement agency with proper record keeping of the phone calls.

Many things can be done to end these types of calls:

• Change your number and make the new number unlisted.
• Post your phone number(s), cellular phone and home phone, on a no-call list with an accredited Web site.
• Blow a loud police whistle into the telephone when these calls occur.
• Identify the originating phone number the person is calling from with the use of Caller ID and have your telephone company block that number.
• Keep good records and report the calls to the police. Prosecute suspects for telephone harassment.
• Ask your phone company for advice on how to prevent or combat the problem.  They have the technology and services to block and / or trace the harassing calls.  thhis information is usually found in the phone book.

Preventing Theft of Mail

The theft of mail from residential mailboxes is an increasing problem. Con artists use this as a means to obtain your identity information and to steal checks and other items of value. This problem can be reduced or minimized by following these tips:

• Do not leave outgoing mail in your unlocked mailbox.
• Deposit mail in a blue collection box or inside your local post office. Don't leave mail in a collection box that is full.
• Make sure your home mailbox is in good condition. Mail that is exposed can be damaged by bad weather and is visible to thieves.
• Promptly pick up your incoming mail after it is delivered.
• Purchase a locked mailbox or convert your unlocked box to the lockable type. Make sure the mail slot is large enough for the letter carrier to insert your mail. The letter carrier cannot pick up mail from this type of box.
• Arrange for your mail to be delivered to a Post Office box for a small fee.
• Have regular income checks deposited electronically into your bank account via direct deposit.
• Promptly contact the senders if you do not receive credit cards, checks, or other valuable mail.
• Notify the post office and mailers if you change your address. When going on vacation, have the post office hold your mail or have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail after delivery.
• Be observant of activities on your street, including those near your letter carrier, the postal vehicle, residential mailboxes, and collection boxes.
• If you see suspicious persons or activity, call 911 while the suspects are still present.

By following these tips and using common sense, you can lessen your chances of being a victim of mail theft and possible identity theft. If you have questions about postal regulations, contact your local postmaster at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or visit them on the web at www.usps.com.

Landscaping and Crime Prevention

Now that spring is coming, many of us will be spending time outside working in the yard. While landscaping and plant growth can contribute to the aesthetics of a private residence, multi-resident unit, private business, or government building, they can also provide hiding places for persons with criminal intent. By choosing suitable plants and appropriate placement, you can have an attractive lawn and also reduce the potential for criminal activity.

The following suggestions will work for large areas around government buildings or businesses and is also applicable to homes on a smaller scale.

Ground cover plants:
Ground cover plants, including perennial and annual plants, can be used within six feet of the edge of walkways and play areas. The height of these plants should not exceed two feet at maturity. Plants with thin stalks that are taller than two feet can be used if they still allow visual surveillance of the area.

Shrubs:
Shrubs should be used between six and twelve feet from the edge of walkways requiring visual surveillance. Their height should not exceed three feet at maturity. If they are taller, they should have thin stalks to allow for visual surveillance.

Trees:
Tree limbs should be pruned to six feet above ground. When planting, consider the location of light poles and fixtures so that illumination will not be blocked at night.

Barrier plants:
Barrier plants have thorns or needles and a dense structure. They should be used below and to the sides of windows and next to fences and walls where access is not needed or desired.

Borders:
Bark or wood chip borders between the lawn and the building or residence can be replaced with decorative river rock or gravel. A prowler walking on a rock surface will likely make more noise than he would walking on wood chips, possibly alerting the occupants.

With the appropriate plants and landscaping design, a beautiful lawn can also be made safer for those who enjoy it.

Minimize Your Risk of Identity Theft-March 2006

Your busy day may include writing a check at the grocery store, charging tickets to a ball game, calling home on your cell phone, and applying for a credit card. These simple transactions provide all the information needed to steal your identity. Personal information such as bank and credit card account numbers, Social Security number, address, and phone number is what an identity thief needs to take control of your accounts. While you can't prevent identity theft, you can minimize your risk by managing your personal information wisely.

• Guard your mail from theft. Take outgoing mail to the post office or drop it in a collection box. Remove mail promptly from your box after it's delivered.
• If your bills don't arrive on time, follow up with the creditors. A missing credit card bill could mean an identity thief has taken over your credit card account and changed your billing address to cover his tracks.
• Put passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. Don't use easily obtained information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, etc.
• Discard papers with personal information such as insurance forms, returned checks, physician statements, credit card offers, etc. by tearing them up or shredding them.
• Keep items with personal information in a secure place in your home especially if you have household help, roommates, or have service people coming to your home.
• Don't give out personal information on the phone, over the Internet, or through the mail unless you have initiated the contact or know who you're dealing with.
• Provide your Social Security number only when necessary. Your employer and financial institution will need your number for wage and tax reporting purposes. Businesses may ask for it to do a credit check if you apply for a loan. However, if a business wants your SSN just for general record keeping, you may want to question why they need it. Also, don't carry the card with you.

You may still be victimized even if you've been very careful. You should regularly check your credit record. Order your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus and confirm that all the information is correct.

Internet Safety for Children-February 2006

Many people today use the Internet to do a variety of activities. These activities include electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messages, post and read messages in news groups, play games, and “surf the Web.” Children are no exception to this. You can now access the Internet almost anywhere — cellular phones, a friend’s house, school, libraries, hotel/motels, and other places. There are no censors for the Internet. It is up to the child and parents to make sure that they take safety precautions while accessing the Internet.

What are the risks?

• Physical Molestation

A child might provide information or arrange an encounter that could risk his or her safety or the safety of other family members. In some cases child molesters have used chat areas, e-mail, and instant messages to gain a child’s confidence and then arrange a face-to-face meeting.

• Harassment and Bullying                                         

A child might encounter messages via chat, e-mail, or their cellular telephones that are belligerent, demeaning, or harassing. Bullies, typically other young people, often use the Internet to bother their victims.

• Viruses and Hackers                                                                                             

  A child could download a file containing a virus that could damage the computer or increase the risk of a hacker gaining remote access to the computer, thereby jeopardizing the family’s privacy, and perhaps jeopardizing the family’s safety.

• Legal and Financial

A child could do something that has negative legal or financial consequences such as giving out a parent’s credit-card number.

How to Reduce the Risks

By taking responsibility for your children’s online computer use, parents can greatly minimize any potential risks of being online. Make it a family rule to:

• Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number.
• Get to know the Internet and any services your child uses.
• Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet on the Internet.
• Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. If someone sends you or your children messages or images that are filthy, indecent, lewd, or obscene with the intent to abuse, annoy, harass, or threaten you, immediately report this to your local law enforcement agency.
• Remember that people online may not be who they seem.
• Remember that everything you read online may not be true.
• Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children.
• Check out blocking, filtering, and ratings applications. Consider keeping the computer in a family room rather than the child’s bedroom.