SAFETY NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH (NW) CORNER By Fay Wood, NW Chief It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is quickly approaching. With increased shopping, deliveries and travel, the National Crime Prevention Council offers these tips to help keep you, your home and your belongings safe throughout the holidays. At Home • Make sure doors and windows are secured with deadbolts, secondary locks or other appropriate devices, and use them. • Never hide spare keys in mailboxes, planters or under doormats. • Keep entrances and dark areas well-lit with outdoor lighting or motion sensors. • Keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they do not conceal doors and windows. • Keep gifts and other valuables out of sight from windows and doors. • Lock your vehicle and remove valuables, even when it is parked in your driveway. • Mail cards, checks and gift certificates from the Post Office or a USPS collection box. Protect Your Packages Package theft is a growing concern during the holidays. Consider having packages delivered to a secure location, such as your workplace or a package locker, or require a signature for delivery. Track shipments and sign up for delivery notifications so you know when a package arrives. If you will be traveling, arrange for packages to be held or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them. If a package shows as delivered but is missing, first confirm the delivery with the carrier. Check with neighbors and review security camera footage. If you see a theft in progress, note the person's description, vehicle and license plate number, if possible, and contact law enforcement. Do not put yourself in danger by confronting a suspected thief. 20 Be Alert to Scams • Use caution when unexpected visitors come to your door, including salespeople and delivery personnel. Ask for identification when appropriate, and be especially cautious of requests for donations. • Before giving to a charity, research the organization and find out how donations will be used. If You’re Traveling • Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home. • Use timers for lights or radios, and make arrangements for mail and newspaper delivery while you are away. After the Holidays • Break down large boxes and place them inside garbage bags rather than advertising expensive new purchases at the curb. • Add new valuables to your home inventory, including photographs, make, model and serial numbers. Consider engraving valuable items to make them easier to identify if they are stolen. • For stolen packages, contact the appropriate delivery company (ex. USPS, UPS, Amazon, etc.) and, when necessary, the Lake Wales or Winter Haven Police Department. Your Lake Ashton Neighborhood Watch Team wishes you a healthy and prosperous holiday season. Remember: If you see something, report it! LAKE ASHTON CERT By Ernie Harben Want to learn valuable emergency skills while helping your neighbors? Lake Ashton CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is looking for residents who want to get involved and make a difference in our community.CERT volunteers receive training to support their neighbors during emergencies and disasters, while also building practical skills in preparedness, response and basic life safety. It’s an opportunity to meet fellow residents, contribute to a stronger, safer Lake Ashton, and be part of a team that is ready to help when needed. No special experience is required—just a willingness to learn and lend a hand. For more information or to get involved, contact ghbishop@gmail.com
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