Summer safety tips offered from Northwestern Division

The San Diego Police Department’s Northwestern Division had these summer safety tips for home and travel to offer:

HOME SAFETY TIPS for SUMMER

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even if you will only be gone for a few minutes. Come home to a hot house, not an empty house!
• When going on trips or just out for the evening, use automatic timers to turn indoor

lights on and off to make it appear you are home.

• Consider informing your neighbors if you will be away from your house for an extended period of time; ask them to watch your house and to collect your mail and newspapers.
• If you have house guests, familiarize them with your security precautions and make sure they follow them.
• Do not possess or use fireworks – enjoy professional fireworks displays, from a safe distance.

VACATION SAFETY TIPS

• The following are some common safety tips that particularly pertain to tourists:
• Use maps to plan routes before venturing out in a rental car.
• Avoid traveling in vehicles that are obviously rented.
• Avoid appearing to be a tourist.
• Be aware of surroundings and avoid suspicious characters.
• Travel with companions.
• Remove valuables from cars.
• Lock windows and doors in rooms when leaving.
• Always be aware of who is around you.
• Keep your money safe: Carry your purse in front of you, next to your body, with the purse flap against you; carry your wallet in your front pocket.
• Park in well-lit areas, as close as possible to hotel or attraction entrances.
• Be sure to indelibly mark cameras and other valuables with your California Driver’s license or I.D. number.
• If you are a victim of a crime, report it to the police immediately.

REMEMBER THIS: UNLIKE US, CRIMINALS DON’T TAKE A BREAK OVER THE SUMMER.
IN FACT, THIS IS ONE OF THEIR BUSY SEASONS!

BE ALERT AND REPORT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR.

Have a fun and safe summer!

SOURCE: San Diego Police Department’s Northwestern Division