Morristown Police Department Holiday and Car Safety Tips

The Morristown Police Department is seeing a large amount of car burglaries in Morristown. These reports are being made in residential as well as business establishment areas. The suspects are committing crimes of opportunity. In most cases, the vehicles are unlocked with valuables.

The MPD is encouraging all citizens to lock their doors whenever the vehicle is unattended. If citizens do not want to lock the vehicle, they are urged not to leave valuables in the unattended vehicle. Items being stolen include the following, cell phone, GPS, cash, credit cards, wallets and medication. Multiple individuals have been arrested this week for burglaries; however, the MPD continues to urge citizens to lock their vehicles. Once again, these are crimes of opportunity. The suspects are looking for easily accessible items.

In addition to locking vehicles, the MPD would like to remind citizens how to keep themselves and their family safe during the upcoming holiday season. The following are a few tips for citizens to avoid being a victim.

Shopping:

⦁ Shop while it is daylight.

⦁ If shopping at night, park in a well-lighted area. Park as close to the building as possible. Avoid parking next to vans, cars with dark tinted windows, or trucks with camper tops.

⦁ Do not leave the vehicle unoccupied while the motor is running and do not leave children unattended in a vehicle.

⦁ Leave packages and valuables in your trunk locked or hidden out of plain sight.

⦁ Before returning to your vehicle, locate your keys.

⦁ Avoid carrying a purse or wallet. If carrying a purse, always keep a secure hold on your purse. Never leave your purse unattended.

⦁ If there is a suspicious person near your vehicle or you feel unsafe, ask the store security to escort you to your vehicle.

⦁ Try to pay for purchases using a check or credit card. If you must carry cash, keep it in your front pocket and do not carry large quantities.

⦁ If your credit card is stolen report it to the credit card company immediately.

⦁ Beware of any stranger approaching you. This is the time of year when con-artists take advantage of those giving.

Children:

⦁ While shopping, leave children at home with a family member or a babysitter.

⦁ If you take your child shopping, teach your child to go to a store clerk for help if they get separated from you. Make sure they know their full name, address, and telephone number.

⦁ Teach children to stay close to you at all times.

⦁ Do not allow children to go anywhere unaccompanied by you.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM):

⦁ Use ATMs during daylight hours.

⦁ Use those located inside a facility or at a well-lighted facility.

⦁ Only withdrawal the cash you need.

⦁ Shield the keypad, from those around you, when entering your pin.

⦁ Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM’s location.

The Morristown Police Department wishes you the best for your holiday season.