Troopers Urge Vigilance and Safety during the Holiday Season

DSP News Release: Troopers Urge Vigilance and Safety during the Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, and the Delaware State Police urge holiday shoppers to exercise vigilance and caution during the busy shopping season.  It is also the season when thieves are frequently on the prowl. 

With the goal of preventing criminal activity and protecting holiday shoppers, Troopers will increase visibility statewide with stepped up patrols in shopping centers and malls.

The first line of defense is to reduce your own vulnerability and do what you can to minimize the possibility that you could be a victim of crime. Troopers offer the following safety tips to help contribute to the safety and security of our communities during the holiday season.

Staying Safe While Shopping:

• Park in high visibility and well lit areas. Lock your car and take your keys.
• Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
• Shop with a friend, there is safety in numbers.
• Use credit/debit cards and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Keep purse close to your body at all times and keep wallet in your front pocket.
• Be extremely careful using ATM machines. Use them in populated places and pay attention to your surroundings.
• Do not leave purchased items visible in the car-leave them in the trunk.
• Report suspicious people or activity immediately.

Keeping Your Home Safe:

• Keep the outside of your home well lit with doors and windows locked.
• Keep gifts hidden from view through outside windows of your residence.
• After opening gifts, break down the boxes of expensive electronics or other gifts and dispose of in a non-clear garbage bag to hide the fact that you have valuable items in the home.

The Thanksgiving holiday is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year.  The Delaware State Police will have an increased number of Troopers patrolling to ensure that everyone is driving with care, and will be offering assistance to motorists in need. Troopers will be targeting aggressive and impaired drivers.

Travel Safety Tips:

• Do not drink and drive! Have a Designated Driver
• Buckle up and make sure all occupants are properly restrained
• Be aware of weather and road conditions
• Keep all doors locked while riding in your car
• Minimize distractions and slow down
• Report aggressive or impaired drivers

Happy Holidays from the Troopers of the Delaware State Police!

Sergeant Paul G. Shavack  

Director of Public Information |  P.O. Box 430| Dover, DE 19903

Delaware State Police