Holiday safety tips from APD
The Austin Police Department has released safety tips for those planning to travel this holiday season.
In addition, vehicle report cards will be left on vehicles that could be at risk of being burglarized. APD officers will walk up and down the street placing safety tip report cards on vehicles.
H - Hide your things
L - Lock your car
T - Take your keys
Vehicles:
- Never leave the keys inside the vehicle or unattended while running
- Assure windows are rolled all the way up
- Lock your vehicle even if you are only going to be away from it a short time
- Set your vehicle alarm whenever you exit/lock your vehicle
- Do not leave valuables (i.e. purses, wallets, phones, presents, etc.) visible inside your vehicle even if it is locked; take valuables with you or lock in trunk
- If you observe anyone acting suspiciously near vehicles or in your neighborhood, report it immediately by calling 9-1-1
Residence:
- Lock doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes
- When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail
- Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer
- Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied
- Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home
- If you are expecting packages leave a note asking the carrier (UPS, Federal Express, USPS, etc.) to not leave packages if you will not be home; notify them to leave you a notice and you will pick up the packages from their facility