Be extra cautious about locking your doors and windows when you leave the house, even if only gone for a few minutes.

When leaving home for an extended period of time, have a neighbour or family member watch your house and pick up your deliveries.

Consider having indoor and outdoor lights set on an automatic timer.

Leave a radio or television on, so the house looks and sounds occupied.

Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts or as persons that need help. It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes, although no charity is involved.

Ask for their identification and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.

If donating, contribute to recognised charitable organisations.

Boxes stacked on the curb waiting for trash pick-up are obvious indicators of ‘who got what.’ Criminals now know which residence has the new electronics (TV, PlayStation or Xbox etc.).

Make sure that you dispose of packaging carefully.

Breakdown boxes and place them in large, plastic opaque garbage bags. (Remember, empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside).

Update or create a detailed inventory of items of value including serial numbers.

Photograph each item of value and produce a contact sheet for your insurance company. Keep another copy in a safe place – not on the premises.

Schedule family discussions to ensure that they understand crime prevention and personal safety measures. Check on your elderly or vulnerable relatives/friends regularly.

Teach your children to stay close to you at all times.

Instruct your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help, if they get separated from you while shopping.

Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to a police officer if lost.

Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.

Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.

Phishing is when cyber criminals use e-mail or text messages to trick you into giving them personal information, such as credit card details or login credentials.

These cyber criminals often send messages from official-looking e-mail addresses, claiming you’ve won cash or other prizes, your account is locked/compromised/will be deleted.

Don’t respond to unexpected e-mails from unknown/random senders.

Don’t click on any links or attachments in e-mails from unknown/random senders.

Improve your password and banking security.

Turn on 2-step verification for e-mails, banking, and social media.

Randomly mix up symbols, capitalization, and numbers in your passwords.

Change your passwords regularly.

Check your bank accounts regularly. This will help identify any suspicious withdrawals.

Never pay in advance for items advertised on social media.

Avoid buying electronic items for sale at greatly reduced prices on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat etc.

Don’t be fooled by ‘giveaways’ advertised on social media that ask users to provide personal details to win the latest iPhone, video game system or gift voucher.

Watch out for official-looking websites that are designed to steal private financial information.

Only shop on trusted websites. Beware of potential stolen goods for sale on social media.

“If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.”

If you must shop at night, park in a well-lit area.

Keep all car doors locked and windows closed, while driving in or after getting out of your car.

Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running, or with children inside.

Do not leave packages on the seat of your car. This creates an unnecessary temptation for thieves.

When approaching and leaving your car, be aware of your surroundings.

Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people standing nearby.

Even though you are rushed and may be distracted, try to stay alert to your surroundings.

Try making more frequent shopping trips, rather than doing it all at once.

Minimise shopping after dark or when alone.

Take a friend or family member with you.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Pay for purchases with a check, credit or debit card when possible.

If you must use an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) choose one that is well illuminated.

Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.

Shield the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you, to prevent them from being able to view your transaction or obtain your PIN.

Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location. Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

Crowded shopping areas, buses, ferries and their stops and transportation terminals are prime targets of criminals. So be extra careful if you carry a wallet or purse.

Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid any mishaps.

Pubs, restaurants and other venues are often crowded. Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times.

Don't leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body to make it more difficult for thieves.

Make prior arrangements as to how you will get home and don’t accept rides from people you do not know.

Stay with friends if you can (use the buddy system).

Drinking impairs your judgement – don’t make yourself a target.

Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages. Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.

Remember, only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body; know your safe limit.

Watch your drink at all times and do not accept drinks from people you do not know!

Avoid any potential disturbances on the street.

Take turns being the designated driver.

NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE!