With Christmas here, Surrey RCMP are reminding residents about crime prevention tips to ensure that the Grinch doesn’t end up ruining your holidays. They include:
• Impaired driving
The consequences of impaired driving are massive, including the risk of the life on the offending driver and others.
In addition to that, the drunk driver can be charged criminally affecting the accused along with his or her family and friends.
That’s why the Surrey RCMP and its partners step up enforcement efforts throughout the holidays including road checks at various locations to stop impaired drivers.
There are many options available to get home safely including public transit, taxi, designated driver, or Operation Red Nose.
Police also attend more calls regarding under-age drinking during the holidays. This also serves as a reminder for parents to always know where their kids are and who they’re going to be with, and if you are the host of an event where there is underage drinking or drinking that results in criminal behaviour you could be held responsible.
• Robberies
Young adults are at a higher risk of personal robberies at this time of year as many receive new phones and electronics for Christmas.
Police are reminding everyone to be extra vigilant with their personal property and to be aware of their environment. If you are a victim, remain calm, cooperate with the robber’s demands, and try to note what they look like and their direction of travel. Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Thefts
When out shopping or visiting, remove all bags and valuables from your vehicle or keep them out of sight. The Surrey RCMP recently completed an auto crime prevention campaign reminding citizens to “protect, lock, and keep” their valuables as police generally see a rise in theft from auto during the fall/winter months.
In addition, be sure to engrave your valuables and properly secure them in your home. Dispose the packaging from big ticket items carefully and shred all receipts to reduce further enticing thieves.
Check your mail daily and be aware of when courier packages will be dropped off. If you are going on vacation, notify your neighbours and remember to install the proper alarms and anti-theft devices when you leave.
• Frauds/Scams
Online shopping has increased dramatically over the past few years and, as such, so has the need to protect yourself from scams and other fraudulent online activity.
Always verify the validity of a website before providing credit card information online and be cautions of unsolicited emails
If you are buying a pre-owned mobile phone, it’s also a good idea to ensure it has not been reported lost or stolen at www.ProtectYourData.ca.
Door-to-door scams are also common at this time of year and police are reminding the public to keep an eye on suspicious persons who come to their doors claiming to be from a charity or association and to report them. Always ask for proper identification and, if in doubt, contact the alleged organization.
Local food banks do not canvass door to door.
For more information on these tips, visit the Protect Yourself section of the Surrey RCMP website at http://bit.ly/1i529oz