Justice Matters: Santa Suggests Safety This Season

NOTE: The following is a holiday safety feature article from the Department of Justice.

Can't think of what to get that special someone this Christmas?
Why not something that will keep on giving all year long? Take some time to talk about safety, with your kids, your parents, your loved ones. There is a wealth of information available, and with some simple steps you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

You can begin by visiting the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/just . There, you'll find practical tips on personal and home safety that you can put in place right away--a must during this holiday season, when homes and many gifts can be left unattended and more accessible.

Installing the proper locks is key to home safety. Spring latch locks are not recommended as they can easily be broken. Single cylinder deadbolt locks which are operated with a key from the outside are best. Once you have the locks installed, make sure you use them. Keep your doors and windows securely locked and keep your curtains or blinds closed at street level, so people can't see inside. Place a safety bar on your patio door--it can be as simple as a piece of wood that fits into the frame. If there is no window in your door, install a peep hole, so you can see who is on your doorstep before you open your door. If you don't know the person, keep your door locked. Don't open your door to a stranger, no matter how convincing their story. If they suggest they need to use the phone, offer to do it for them. If you're suspicious at all, don't hesitate to call police.

Lighting is another very important home safety feature. Keep your grounds well lit without drawing attention. Motion sensor lights will alert you when someone approaches your yard. Mounted flood lights aimed along the wall can light a large area--remember to aim them downward so they don't cast shadows. Inside your home, put switches for the exterior near a window, so that you can see into the yard as you turn on the light. Make sure your views of entrances and windows aren't blocked by trees, shrubs or large Christmas decorations. You don't want to give thieves a place to hide.

If you're planning to travel this holiday season, arrange to have your mail held, or ask a trusted friend to pick it up. Ask them to do the other things that make a home look lived in, like shovelling snow or moving your car. Place interior lights and radios on timers. Don't put too much information on your answering machine. Don't leave a message telling people you'll be away until the new year. If you live alone, don't alert callers to that fact: ensure that your message is phrased to say there is no one available to take your call, rather than "I'm not here and I'll call you back."

Never put your name on the outside of your home. It makes it far too easy for a potential thief to call to see if you're home. Or they can call you by name if they approach you at the door, which could make them seem more trustworthy than they are, leaving you in a vulnerable position.

When you're shopping, make sure you keep your car locked and anything of value out of sight. Keep gifts in the trunk and think about moving your car if you have just dropped off a number of items and you want to go back into the store for more shopping. You'll want to convince anyone who may be watching that you've left the area and the opportunity to steal from your vehicle is gone.

Become familiar with the Neighbourhood Watch or the Block Parent programs in your community. Neighbours looking out for each other is one of the best ways to thwart thieves.

You can get more safety information from your local police agency. The common-sense tips you've found in this article are also available on video from the local police--they would be happy to provide a presentation on how to stay safe and secure. Or you can contact the Nova Scotia Department of Justice for more information.

These are just a few of the things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. After all, a little peace of mind can turn out to be the greatest gift of all.