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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
Los Santos: In a season of festivities, warmth, and joy with family, friends, loved ones, and otherwise, one should not have to worry about their own safety or that of their assets. Generally, the holiday season marks an uptick in (attempted) home burglaries due to the increased number of homes left vacant due to travels and other get-togethers. To that end, the Los Santos Police Department is bringing you tips on how to safely celebrate the upcoming holidays.
Homes that are clearly left empty due to travel are often easily considered targets for malicious actors and burglars. Small things that are often not considered, such as ensuring lights are on during specific times of the day or not letting mail left outside remain uncollected, are big factors in allowing these actors to deduct that the homeowners are not present.
When traveling, it is advised to:
Burglaries are not restricted to houses left vacant for extended periods, as some malicious actors act boldly and will take the window of opportunity provided to them by homeowners leaving for an evening.
Homeowners who will be leaving their homes for the evening are advised to:
Beyond being vigilant about your home, you should always be vigilant of and for yourself as well as those you are with. When spending an evening outside with friends or family, always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. Park in well-lit areas, do not leave valuables in plain sight and double-check the lock on your car before leaving it.
It is highly advised to not carry large amounts of cash, and for wallets to be carried in an inside pocket, front pants pocket, or in a purse. When returning to your vehicle, make sure you have your keys ready before approaching it. If at any point you feel you are being followed, dial 911 immediately.
Finally, if you are shopping and bringing your kids, teach them to approach a store employee or security guard in the event that you are separated from them, or them from you. Do not allow them to go by themselves.
When celebrating at home, please be cautious when answering the door for a stranger, as it is not uncommon for malicious actors to disguise themselves and act as a plumber, salesman, maintenance worker, delivery driver, and so on.
While this release has focused primarily on safety and has negative implications in relation to the holiday season, it is a season loved by many, which brings us warmth, joy, and comfort in difficult times, and brings together many. We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season, and celebrates it safely.
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Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
NA013-24ef
December 22, 2024
2024 Holiday Season Safety Tips
Los Santos: In a season of festivities, warmth, and joy with family, friends, loved ones, and otherwise, one should not have to worry about their own safety or that of their assets. Generally, the holiday season marks an uptick in (attempted) home burglaries due to the increased number of homes left vacant due to travels and other get-togethers. To that end, the Los Santos Police Department is bringing you tips on how to safely celebrate the upcoming holidays.
Homes that are clearly left empty due to travel are often easily considered targets for malicious actors and burglars. Small things that are often not considered, such as ensuring lights are on during specific times of the day or not letting mail left outside remain uncollected, are big factors in allowing these actors to deduct that the homeowners are not present.
When traveling, it is advised to:
- Lock your windows and doors.
- Install high-quality security locks and increase exterior lighting.
- Do not hide a (spare) key outside of your home, and instead leave it with a family member or trusted neighbor.
- Ask a family member or trusted neighbor to watch your home, collect your mail, shovel your sidewalks, park in your driveway, turn on your interior lights, and open and close your blinds or shutters.
- Install CCTV cameras and an alarm system.
- Place signs indicating that an alarm, CCTV system, or a dog is present to deter potential bad actors.
- Safely store your valuables and firearms in a safe. Ensure you keep a record of the serial numbers associated with your firearms.
Burglaries are not restricted to houses left vacant for extended periods, as some malicious actors act boldly and will take the window of opportunity provided to them by homeowners leaving for an evening.
Homeowners who will be leaving their homes for the evening are advised to:
- Turn the lights, television, or radio on to make it seem as if someone is home.
- Double-check to ensure the doors and windows are locked before leaving.
- Do not clearly display gifts or valuables.
Beyond being vigilant about your home, you should always be vigilant of and for yourself as well as those you are with. When spending an evening outside with friends or family, always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. Park in well-lit areas, do not leave valuables in plain sight and double-check the lock on your car before leaving it.
It is highly advised to not carry large amounts of cash, and for wallets to be carried in an inside pocket, front pants pocket, or in a purse. When returning to your vehicle, make sure you have your keys ready before approaching it. If at any point you feel you are being followed, dial 911 immediately.
Finally, if you are shopping and bringing your kids, teach them to approach a store employee or security guard in the event that you are separated from them, or them from you. Do not allow them to go by themselves.
When celebrating at home, please be cautious when answering the door for a stranger, as it is not uncommon for malicious actors to disguise themselves and act as a plumber, salesman, maintenance worker, delivery driver, and so on.
While this release has focused primarily on safety and has negative implications in relation to the holiday season, it is a season loved by many, which brings us warmth, joy, and comfort in difficult times, and brings together many. We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season, and celebrates it safely.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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