Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #13 - Holiday and Shopping Safety

This is my heroine Emily Stone’s favorite time of the year. She has some precautions to ensure that everyone has a joyful and festive holiday.

This is the time where many of us are busy, with not only everyday things, but with shopping, holiday decorating, parties, and much more. This is also the time where we need to be careful in protecting our families and homes from burglaries, identity theft, and assault.

The holidays can be a time where potential criminals use it to their advantage because often times we are distracted and staying vigilant.

Here are a few simple reminders for home and shopping safety during the holiday season.

Home safety:
1. Be extra cautious about locking ALL windows and doors when you leave the house, even if you’re gone for only a few minutes. Also, make sure that your windows and doors are properly bolted for added security.

2. Be careful of large displays of holiday gifts visible through windows and doors of your home. This can be too tempting for “would be” burglars.

3. If you’re leaving your home for any extended length of time, have a neighbor, friend, or family member keep an eye on your home and pick up newspapers and mail.

4. Have indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer.

5. If possible, leave a radio or television on to give the appearance of an occupied home.

Shopping Safety:

1. Try to do your holiday shopping during daylight hours, if possible. If you have to shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

2. Dress comfortably and casually, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

3. Try NOT to carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Always carry your driver’s license or ID card, checks or credit cards that you plan on using for your shopping excursion. Try to keep these items in a front pocket.

4. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Try to pay for purchases with a check or credit card whenever possible.

5. If your credit card(s) are lost or stolen, notify the credit card issuer immediately. Also, if it has been stolen, notify the police and file a report. Make sure to keep a record of ALL your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

6. ALWAYS stay alert to your surroundings.

7. Avoid overloading yourself with packages. Make sure that you have a clear visibility and are able to move around freely.

8. Keep packages out of plain view in your car. Try to put them in the trunk or out of plain sight.

9. Beware of strangers approaching you for ANY reason. This time of year where there are many “con artists” that will try to distract your attention to take your belongings or money.

Most of all, have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.

Jennifer Chase
Author & Criminologist

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #3

Identity theft crime occurs when any individual acquires a piece of personal information without your knowledge and uses it to commit fraud at your expense. Identity theft crimes affected almost 10 million victims in 2008, which is an increase of 22% from the previous year. It has been estimated that 71% of fraud occurs within a week of stealing a victim’s personal information.

We are a society that takes advantage of the high-tech convenience of using the Internet for purchases, banking, loans, and social networking. With this convenience also comes a price for personal security, but there are simple safeguards that you can use everyday.

There are three common types of personal information that identity thieves look for to commit their fraudulent crimes that can ultimately ruin your credit.

1. Credit Cards
2. Phone or Utilities
3. Banking and Depository Accounts

The most common type of identity theft is credit card fraud that accounts for approximately 26% of all identity theft crimes. The identity thief opens a new credit card account in the victim’s name and uses the credit card for purchases or cash without ever paying the bill. The victim doesn’t realize that there’s a problem because the bills are sent to a new address. It is also common for the identity thief to call the credit card company to change the mailing address on the existing account. Again, the victim doesn’t realize that there’s a problem until it’s too late.

The second most common type of identity theft, which accounts for more than half the number of victims of credit card theft or approximately18%, is for phones or utilities. The identity thief signs up for cell phone service, telephone long distance service, or new utilities using the victim’s name.

The third most common category of identity theft, which accounts for more than a third of the number of victims of credit card theft or approximately 17%, involves banking and depository accounts. The identity thief opens a new bank account, makes electronic fund transfers, or writes bad checks all on the victim’s accounts. Loan fraud accounts for a small portion of depository accounts or approximately 5%, but is still an important category to list and to be aware of the potential risks.

Here are Emily’s top ten guidelines for keeping your identity safe:

1.Check your credit reports annually. If at all possible, check your credit reports monthly or quarterly.
2. Issue a fraud alert with each major reporting agency: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
3. If you purchase anything online, make certain that the website is encrypted and shows a small padlock icon at the bottom right-hand corner of your computer screen.
4. If you purchase anything online for a gift, make certain that the bill will not be sent along with the gift containing personal identification and credit card numbers.
5. Don’t toss any personal documents into the trash. Buy a shredder at your local office supply store and shred all of your documents, mail, or anything that would have your name, address, or other personal information on it.
6. Cut up all of your expired credit cards before discarding them into the trash.
7. If you expect a bill and it doesn’t arrive, notify the issuing company immediately.
8. If your credit card is lost or stolen, notify the police immediately to file a report and contact your credit card company.
9. Don’t leave your mail in the mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up. Always post your mail directly at the Post Office.
10. Never give out personal information online or to phone solicitors, such as your social security number or passwords.

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #2

Emily’s main driving force in Compulsion is to track down child abductors and child murderers in order to have them brought to justice. She feels that it’s most important to protect the innocent from the evil in society at all costs. This has cost Emily the opportunity of a normal life with a family of her own, but she feels it’s all worth it when she’s able to contribute to the safe return of a child.

It is absolutely imperative today that parents and guardians know all the resources to better safeguard children. It is important to stay alert, informed, and vigilant about all child safety issues and personal information.

According the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 40% of all child abductions were victims of opportunity.

Here are five basic tips about how to prevent a potential child abduction or kidnapping:

1. Teach your children to run away from danger. Explain to your children to run away from danger. If someone tries to grab them, tell them to make a scene by yelling and saying that this person is not their parent or guardian. If a car is following them, tell them to turn around and run the other way to another trusted adult.

2. Talk openly to your children about personal safety. It’s important to encourage your children to tell you or another trusted adult if someone ever makes them feel scared or uncomfortable. Discuss safety issues with them. Pay attention and listen to your children. Make your children a part of securing your home, such as with alarms, locks, lighting, and have a family plan in case of an emergency.

3. Be alert and aware to your surroundings. Prepare your children with “what if” scenarios so that they’re well prepared in case of an emergency. Design and teach them “escape routes” in different emergencies. Also, know how to reach the nearest local law enforcement agency.

4. Take steps to secure personal information. Be private and discreet about your family’s personal habits and information. Consider opening a post office box, if you don’t already have one, and registering everything with that address including vehicles and driver’s licenses. It’s important to have your personal bills sent to the post office box or place of employment. Take these simple steps of not revealing any personal information about your family and report anything to authorities that seems to be irregular.

5. Report any suspicious activity or individuals to law enforcement. If you feel that someone in your family has been targeted or being stalked, report this information to law enforcement immediately.


By taking these five simple steps, you are ensuring more safety for your entire family. Remember, you are best resource for your children and always know where your children are at all times. Stay vigilant, informed, and alert. Emily wants all children to be happy and safe!