Holiday Safety Tips

The holidays are a time to get together with friends, to enjoy both the outdoor and indoor holiday decorations, and to attend parties and get togethers with loved ones. It is also a time for shopping, as we all scramble to find that perfect gift for those we love. In the midst of all this hustle and bustle, it is important to keep an eye on safety. The money spent by New Yorkers on shopping and gifts, dining out, and attending the theatre and holiday shows is not lost on criminals, and there is typically a spike in criminal activity in the month of December. At Cavallo & Cavallo, our experienced New York attorneys know that in the midst of getting everything ready for the holidays, it is easy to be careless. We have compiled some safety tips from the New York City Police Department as well as the state police to help you avoid being victimized over the holidays, and to ensure both you and your loved ones stay safe both at home and while out and about.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

According to crime statistics for the City of New York, there are more than 100,000 robberies, assaults, and petit larcenies that occur in our area each year, and these numbers tend to increase over the holiday season. Whether you are out shopping, dining, or taking in a show, follow these holiday safety tips from the New York City Police Department to avoid being a target for criminals:

• Avoid distractions when you are out, and be alert and aware of what is going on around you at all times. Criminals tend to target people who are distracted and not paying attention;
• Use populated well-lit streets when out walking and if possible travel with a friend;
• Plan purchases in advance, and carry only the amount of cash you need. Avoid flashing large sums of money when paying for items or meals;
• Carry your wallet in your breast pocket, and keep your handbag close to your body;
• In restaurants, do not leave your handbag hanging over the back of your chair, and avoid leaving packages unattended; and
• If you are driving, make sure to lock your car, and avoid leaving any valuables within sight.

Home Safety Tips

Criminals know that people tend to have more high-ticket valuables, such as jewelry and electronics, stored in their homes as gifts at this time of year. The New York State Police offers the following home safety tips to keep your home free from break-ins over the holidays:

• If you will be traveling, get a timer for your lights, and ask a neighbor or friend to check in on your home regularly;
• Be sure to have your mail and newspaper service stopped if you are going out of town;
• If you are out for the evening, turn on a few lights and leave the television or radio on to make it look like someone is home;
• Do not display gifts where they will be visible from outside;
• Make sure all windows and doors are locked before heading out for the evening; and
• If someone comes to your door collecting for charity, ask to see identification and inquire as to how the money will be used before giving them money;

The police advise that the holidays are a good time to make an inventory of both your belongings as well as your credit card. In the event that you are a victim of a robbery, this will give you a better idea of what has been stolen, and help police to better locate any missing items.

Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys

At Cavallo & Cavallo, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday. As your neighborhood law firm, our experienced New York personal injury attorneys are always here when you need us. With offices in the Bronx and Westchester, you can trust Cavallo & Cavallo to provide efficient, effective legal representation for all your legal needs.