November 30, 2007

Dear Community Friends,

Holiday Safety Tips

If You’re Traveling…

q       Set an automatic timer for your lights.

q       Do not place packages or gifts near windows or other high-visibility sites.

q       Ask your trusted neighbors to watch your home while you are gone and park their vehicle in your driveway from time to time.

q       Do not drink and drive. When attending holiday celebrations, consider designating a driver or using a cab.

If You’re Shopping…

q       If you take your children shopping, teach them to get help from police officer, store security/clerk if they get separated or lost.

q       Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps.  Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

q       Only use ATMs in safe, secure locations and do not keep your PIN on your person.

q       Avoid carrying large amount of cash.  Use credit cards or checks and carry your Drivers License or ID card with you.

q       Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Criminals may try to distract and confuse you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

q       Do not leave anything of value in plain view in your car.  Packages and shopping bags should be hidden out of sight. Do not just cover them with a coat or blanket.

q       Park in a lighted area and lock your vehicle doors.

q       Always check the back seat of your vehicle before entering. 

q       Be aware of your surroundings when unlocking your vehicle.

If a Stranger Comes to the Door…

q       Stay alert to suspicious-looking couriers delivering packages to you or your neighbor’s home.

q       Many con artists take advantage of holiday generosity by going door-to-door. 

q       Never open the door to strangers. 

q       If you want to make a donation to a worthy cause, then do your own research where 100% of your donation goes to the charity.

q       Post a “No Solicitor” sign on your door.

q       If someone still knocks at your door, then tell them through the door to read your sign and that you are not interested.

Preventing Banking Fraud

Stay safe from Phishing: Easy clues to help you keep your personal information secure.

The main goal of a phishing email is to get you to a site where you will provide your personal information.  With these basic, but powerful clues, you can easily recognize the threat and ensure the safety of your identity and finances.

q       The Bank will not ask you to verify your personal information in response to an email.

q       Most phish emails convey a sense of urgency by threatening discontinued service or information loss if you don’t take immediate action.

q       Many phish emails have misspellings, bad grammar, or poor punctuation.

q       Deceptive links in phishing emails look like they are to a valid site, but deliver you to a fraudulent one. 

q       Many times you can see if the link is legitimate by just moving your mouse over the link.

q       Many phish emails use generic salutations and generic information (e.g. "Dear Customer" or "Dear Account Holder") instead of your name.

q       Many phish emails come from an email address not from the company represented in the email. 

q       If you suspect an email to be phishing, do not click on any links in the email.  Type the valid address directly into your web browser.

Police Blotter, Megan Sheppard, West Seattle Herald

http://www.westseattleherald.com/news/police%20blotter/

This web page is update every week on Wednesday.

Seattle Police Department main web page

http://www.seattle.gov/police/

Southwest Precinct Web-page

  http://www.seattle.gov/police/Precincts/Southwest/default.htm

Seattle Police Crime Statistics

http://www.cityofseattle.net/police/crime/stats.htm

For More Information Call:

Benjamin Kinlow

,

Crime Prevention Coordinator, (206) 684-7724 benjamin.kinlow@seattle.gov.