The Danville Police Department would like you to have a safe holiday season! Follow these tips and remember to report any suspicious activity:
- After dark, shop with a friend if possible.
- Bring only cash and the credit cards you will need while shopping.
- Always try to park in a well-lit area.
- Keep the doors and windows locked, while driving or when parked.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages.
- Ask for loading assistance if available.
- Make sure your visibility is clear and you have freedom of motion to help discourage purse snatchers.
- Keep packages locked in the car trunk, even if this means making several trips to the car.
- Be alert! Your purse or wallet may be a target for crime in crowded shopping areas, bus stops, and on buses.
- If someone demands your purse or wallet, surrender it immediately - it is not worth your life.
- If your wallet is stolen, report it to the Police 434-797-5111 or Emergency 9-1-1.
- Never resist if a robber or carjacker threatens you.
- Consider throwing your purse or wallet away from you or yelling loudly to create a distraction to you allow time to escape safely.
- Keep a record of your credit card numbers so you will have your numbers available when reporting the crime.
- Have your keys in hand when walking to your car or home.
- Be aware of your surroundings and anyone approaching your vehicle.
- Be careful of your holiday trash. Advertising the number and type of gifts received with discarded packages could make your more susceptible for a burglary.
If you are you as making online purchases, then follow these tips to avoid becoming the victim of package theft.
- Sign up for delivery alerts so you know when your delivery is scheduled — and when the package has been delivered.
- If you are not able to be home when a package will be delivered, then ask a trusted neighbor to hold it for you.
- If possible, require a signature for all deliveries.
- Consider shipping packages to your place of work or use the ship to store option.
- Be a good neighbor! If you see a package on your neighbor's doorstep, reach out and ask if they would like you to hold it until they are home. Better yet, if you work from home, offer to allow your neighbors to send their packages to your house.
- If you do have any packages stolen, first contact the Police Department and then check with your neighbors to see if they saw anything suspicious.