Vehicle Safety Tips

Most thefts occur when valuables are left unattended. The thief normally seeks privacy to commit his/her act.  Virtually any article left in plain view is likely to be stolen. Most property that is stolen is left unattended or unlocked.

• Remove visible items from your vehicle. Valuables left in plain view only entice burglars. Remove items from the vehicle (CD’s, backpacks, cell phones, purses, laptops, wallet, and currency).
• Always lock your car doors and windows.  Lock your vehicle and take your keys, even for quick errands. Lock the trunk, hatchback or tailgate to block access into the vehicle. Close all windows and sunroof.
• Vehicle Alarms. Make sure to activate your alarm when you exit from your vehicle.
• Mail. Do not leave outgoing or incoming mail in your car, especially where visible. This has your name and address on it.
• Park Safely. At home, park in your garage if you have one. Lock your car and all garage doors. Always park in a well-lit area
• Vehicle Registration. Black out the address on your registration and photocopy it. Keep the copy, not the original, in your car.
• Garage Door Opener. Avoid leaving this in your car if possible.
• Never leave your weapons in your vehicle. Carry your weapon inside of your home with you if your vehicle will be unoccupied for a long period of time.member, only you can prevent auto burglaries by removing your valuables from your vehicle and locking them in a safe place. Help us to protect your property.

Tips on Preventing Identity Theft
Identity theft is on the rise across the country. There are many things you can do to help protect yourself against becoming a victim.  Shred any paperwork that has your personal information on it, including your social security number, date of birth, address, telephone numbers, bank statements and credit card bills. Check your credit report at least once a year to make sure there are no unauthorized accounts on it.

If you receive an e-mail or telephone call from someone claiming to be from your bank or other financial institution and they ask for your social security number or your account number to “verify” who you are, DO NOT GIVE IT!  Banks do not ask for that information when they call you. The only time you should provide that type of information is when you initiate the call and know who you are talking with. You also need to monitor your bank account(s) and credit card statements to check for unauthorized charges.

If you find that a credit card or bank debit card has unauthorized charges on it, you need to contact that bank immediately, report the fraudulent activity and cancel your card. You should also file a police report. If you are a victim of fraud, you can contact the credit reporting agencies and have them put a fraud alert on you file.

Helpful sites:
www.clarkhoward.com
www.idtheftcenter.org
www.identitytheft.org
www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm
https://www.seniorsguideonline.com/helpful-information/crime-prevention-tips-for-seniors
https://agesafeamerica.com/crime-prevention-tips-elderly/
https://www.seniorliving.org/research/preventing-elder-abuse/
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/finance/how-to-prevent-identity-theft.html#