By MADDY VITALE
Holidays are a time for gift-giving, good cheer and parties. The Ocean City Police Department is wishing everyone health and happiness, but with a few reminders about safety during the busy season.
The tips are designed to help people when they are heading out to do that last-minute shopping or traveling to friends and family. They also warn of porch pirates, other thefts and phone scams.
“In the summer we promote ‘Don’t take a vacation from safety.’ This time of year I prefer ‘Don’t take a holiday from safety,’” said Community Policing Unit Supervisor/Public Information Officer Lt. Patrick Randles.
Police want to make sure residents are safe and not victims of scams and thefts that increase during the holiday season.
Here are some tips and reminders:
Drive Sober:
The holiday season is one of the most deadly for alcohol and drug-related crashes. Use a designated driver or one of the many ride-sharing apps.
Travel safe and enjoy this holiday season.
Valuables should be stored out of sight in your vehicle when shopping:
Make sure your vehicle is locked at all times. Park your vehicle in a location that is visible and has good lighting.
Underscoring the importance of the campaign and the need to lock your car doors, Ocean City police arrested an Atlantic City teen this week and charged him with car theft and a string of motor vehicle burglaries in town.
Keep track of your valuables:
When shopping, make sure that you secure your handbag, purse, wallet, cellphone or other valuable items on your person. Do not leave valuable items in your shopping cart or unattended.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid being distracted by cellphone use.
Beware of porch pirates:
Prevent your delivered packages from being stolen from your porch by tracking packages, installing a doorbell camera or porch security camera, soliciting help from friends and neighbors or request to have the packages delivered to a workplace or more secure location.
Never give personal information out over the phone:
Criminals use a variety of tactics that will encourage an individual to provide this information.
Spam phone calls and robocalls are now able to use a phone number that looks familiar to the person and even has the same area code and three digit exchange as the person’s phone.
To report erratic driving, suspicious behavior or any unsafe condition, please call 911. For all non-emergencies and questions, please call the Ocean City Police Department at (609) 399-9111.
