Westlake Police Holiday Safety Guide

Several Westlake Police Officers are certified Crime Prevention Specialists through the Ohio Crime Prevention Association. The Crime Prevention Unit asks that you follow these guidelines to help keep you and your family safe throughout the holiday season. #StaySafeWestlake

Westlake Police Department Crime Prevention Unit – Dedicated to Public Safety One Neighborhood at a Time

The holidays are a special time for families and crooks. These tips can help keep you, your family and friends safe throughout the chaos of the holiday season. Follow these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during the holiday season.

Be aware of your surroundings.
Be alert to suspicious people and vehicles.
Carry wallets and credit cards in a secure front pocket and avoid carrying a purse if possible.
Carry only the amount of cash necessary for your purchases and use a credit card if possible.
Keep bags close and keep them close to your body.
Avoid carrying a lot of packages.
Take breaks to place packages and gifts in the locked trunk of your vehicle.
Move your vehicle to a different parking lot after placing packages in the trunk.
If you arrive home and someone confronts you in your driveway, remain in your car with windows and doors locked. Call the police.
If someone attacks you, give up the property.
Only use ATMs in public well lit areas. Have a friend with you if possible. Count the cash in your vehicle, not the ATM.
Do not display gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway in the house.
If you are going on vacation have a friend or family member check on your home and collect the mail and leave emergency contact information for them.
Only participate in holiday charities that you have dealt with before or obtained previous information about from the Better Business Bureau.