COMMISSIONER RYDER  AND THE NASSAU COUNTY POLICE  OFFER HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

Please Don’t Be a Victim

 Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder are taking affirmative steps to ensure the safety of the residents of Nassau County during the upcoming holiday season. All of our regular marked and plainclothes patrols will be intensifying their coverage of shopping malls and commercial areas.  

The patrols will be augmented by our Mounted Unit, Bureau of Special Operations, K-9, Emergency Services, CIRRT and POP Cops.  Concurrently, dedicated patrols have been assigned to the major malls within the county, putting additional police officers at those locations during peak hours.

In addition to shopping safety, Nassau Police will also be on the lookout for drivers and occupants who are not complying with vehicle and traffic laws. This includes parking in Fire Lanes, children who are not in child safety seats or buckled in their seat.  Police Officers will also be vigilant watching for drivers who are violating cell phone laws including text messaging and driving while intoxicated on all roads in Nassau County.  Handicapped parking violations will be strictly enforced.  Parking in handicapped spaces is reserved for those with visible permits.

Before Leaving Home   

• Leave your home secure, engage alarms and give the appearance that your home is occupied by leaving the lights on in the most frequently used rooms.
• Plan your shopping trip carefully.  Know where you are going and what routes you will take to get there.
• If possible, arrange for a friend to go shopping with you.  There is safety in numbers.
• Let someone know where you are going and what route you will be taking.  Additionally, let them know when you expect to return.
• Don’t leave valuable items out in the open.  Secure them in closets, safes, etc.

When Parking

• Always, park in well-lit areas and remove keys and wallets.
• Remove all items, such as radar detectors, laptops or packages and secure them in the trunk, glove compartment, out of site.
• Note the location of your vehicle in the parking lot to conveniently return after shopping.
• Always lock all your doors
• Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas.
• Avoid carrying large handbags.  Carry only what is necessary.
• Look around the parking lot for suspicious persons before you exit your vehicle.
• Don’t get out of your vehicle until you are ready.  If you don’t feel safe, stay in the car or drive away.

While Shopping

• Keep your money and credit cards in your front pocket and try to limit the number of credit cards and cash you’re carrying while shopping.
• To avoid being a victim of “Identity Theft”, be aware of exposing credit cards, debit cards and other identification at the cash register and ATM’s.  Thieves will utilize cell phones to capture card information without your knowledge.  
• Be cognizant of any “Distraction”, that could be staged to facilitate the types of crimes that typically occur during this time of the year.

When Returning to Your Car

• Never leave the store with your arms full of packages. Use a courtesy cart.
• Have your car key in hand, ready to unlock your door.
• Check the parking lot for suspicious people and look around before you exit the store.
• Do not return to your vehicle if you see people loitering nearby.
• Carry a whistle or other audible device. If you feel threatened, use it. If you’re inside your vehicle, lock your doors and honk your horn to attract attention.
• Check underneath, in front and in back of your car as you approach it.
• Check the front and rear passenger seats inside your car before you enter it.
• If you are planning on returning to the store, never leave your packages in plain view inside your vehicle. Lock them in the trunk or place them on the floor and cover them with a blanket or jacket.

ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

The Nassau County Police Department wishes everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season.