I would like to thank all the Positively Naperville readers for their support of this year’s inaugural safety campaign, “A Safer Naper.” Each month, we have highlighted different themes and topics through social media posts, presentations and publications designed to enhance our residents’ safety.
Some of the topics we talked about this year are identity theft, burglary prevention, domestic violence, alcohol awareness, personal safety, senior safety, various scams, situational awareness and online fraud prevention.
As we wrap up the year and as holiday travel ramps up, we would like to remind residents how to safeguard their homes this holiday season. Whether you are leaving for a few days or several weeks, make your home looked lived in. Make sure exterior lights are on by all the entrances from dusk until dawn and utilize lights on timers on the inside. Enlist a trusted friend or neighbor take in any mail, newspapers, put the garbage in/out, shovel snow from your sidewalks and the path to your front door, and make car tracks in any snow on your driveway.
Also, think about and make appropriate changes to where you keep your valuables. If a would-be burglar does make entry into a home, they usually make a beeline to the master bedroom. Is your fine jewelry in your jewelry box on the dresser and extra cash in the top dresser drawer? Yes, thieves do look under the mattress! Think “out of the box” when it comes to where you keep your valuables.
Remember to encourage your neighbors to report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1. For example, there might be a vehicle circling your neighborhood several times or a person cutting through a back yard. Remember people are not suspicious, but behavior is.
Also, remember packages that are delivered and left on your doorstep. With more and more online shopping, we have seen an increase in package thefts. If possible, arrange to have packages delivered to a neighbor or at your business during the daytime. Some retailers, like Amazon, also have locations throughout town for secure pick up.
Thank you again for your support of this year’s “A Safer Naper” campaign. If you have any safety topics that you would like to see addressed in 2019, please let me know! Your feedback is always appreciated. Happy Holidays!!
Until next month … Stay aware and stay safe.
