• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible; and remember that there is safety in numbers, take a friend or relative with you.
• Avoid wearing accessories that tend to attract would-be criminals.
• Avoid carrying shoulder-strapped or bulky handbags. Use a wallet or clutch-style purse if possible.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Notify credit card companies immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.
• When shopping, remember to secure your packages in the trunk of the car and not on the seat.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• If you are going away for the holidays, contact your precinct or beat officer to ensure extra patrols in your neighborhood.
Highway travel increases about 23 percent during the holiday season, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. With more motorists on our roadways and the many celebrations that come with the season, revelers and travelers should consider the following tips to ensure their season is trouble-free:
• Celebrate responsibly. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road. Be sure that you have a designated driver if you plan to drink while celebrating.
• Factor in additional travel time and patience for the inevitable holiday traffic snarls. Aggressive driving and excessive speed violations will be vigorously enforced.
• Remember that seat belts save lives, always buckle-up and insist that passengers do the same.
— Courtesy of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department