Deputy Chris Trujillo, public information officer for the Valencia County Sheriff’s Department, has provided some tips for people to consider before heading out the door to shop:

• Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
• Give some thought to what is considered “normal behavior” in a given environment. Example: People do not typically stand around in parking lots. If you notice a suspicious person or activity in a parking lot, return to the store, ask for an escort and/or notify security or store personnel.
• Always be aware of other people around you and make note of their behavior.
• Walk with authority, purpose and awareness.
• Park your vehicle as close to an entrance as possible or park in well lit, active locations.
• Lock all personal items in the trunk or away from view — roll up windows, take the keys and lock the doors.
• Keep all items inside your vehicle away from view. Any thing in full view could potentially be a target of opportunity.
• Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle and limit the number of items in your hands.
• Get in your vehicle as soon as possible, lock the doors immediately and then get settled. (Note: Continue to be aware of persons in your area and keep your doors locked until you reach your next destination.)
• Remove all visible targets that might make you a victim of a crime — women should never carry a purse in public. Rather, carry only those items necessary for a particular trip. (Example: Driver’s license, medical card, some form of payment, like a debit card and a little bit of money.) Carry these items concealed from view.
• If you choose to carry a defensive device like pepper spray — have proper training.
• Avoid panhandlers when ever possible. Their behavior could be potentially unpredictable. Do not give them cash or offer any kind of substitute, like food or other types of assistance said Deputy Trujillo. In most cases, cash will not be used for what they are suggesting. It will typically be used to support a substance abuse habit. (Note: If you want to assist them, make a donation to one of several service providers available.)
• Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.
• Remember that your homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.
• Keep a list with all of the important phone numbers you or a babysitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Center helpline, 1-800-222-1222. Laminating the list will prevent it from being torn or damaged by accidental spills.
• Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child’s stress levels. Trying to stick to your child’s usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.

Have a SAFE and happy holiday season!

Best wishes from Sheriff Rene Rivera and the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office!

This page was published on November 29, 2009 at 6:22pm and is filed under Valencia County. You may copy and paste this page's link to email it.