Dear Resident:

This holiday season don't let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars a better chance to do their dirty work. Criminals love the holidays because it's an opportune time for crime. We would like to remind you to be especially cautious of your surroundings, not only within our apartment community, but also when visiting shopping areas, friends and family.

Here are some tips on how to celebrate safely this holiday season:

Avoid Fires:

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources such as space heaters or candles.
• If decorating with a natural tree, make sure it stays moist by watering it regularly.
• Choose holiday decorations made with flame-resistant and non-combustible materials.
• Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings and replace damaged items.
• Do not use extension cords for portable space heaters. Plug directly into an electrical outlet.
• Protect electrical wires from damage. Don't run lights/wires behind drapes, under carpet, through doorways, or where they will be stepped on.
• Turn off all holiday lights when you leave your home or go to bed.
• Never leaves candles or smoking materials burning. Place candles in a sturdy container to avoid tipping over and extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving your home.
• Make sure smoke/CO alarms are working. Please notify office if you have any issues with your smoke/CO alarms.
• Know where the nearest fire extinguisher and/or fire alarm call box is located.
• Do not use portable grills and/or barbecue equipment on balconies or within close proximity of the buildings.
• Do not park in front of fire hydrants or in fire lanes.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Do not use fireworks at the property.

If You Are At Home:

• Keep doors and windows locked.
• Consider how much of your residence you are exposing to people plassing by when you have your blinds and curtains open to display seasonal items. This can be inviting, whether you are at home or away.

If You Are At for the Evening:

• Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone is home.
• Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

If You Are Traveling:

• Use of smart home devices that can turn on lights to simulate the appearance that someone is home.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, etc.
• Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're gone.

If You Are Shopping:

• Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
• Park in a well-lit space and be sure to close the windows and lock the car.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• Deter purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

Protect Your Vehicle:

• LOCK - TAKE - HIDE
  • LOCK your vehicle.
  • TAKE your belongings out of the vehicle. Do not leave anything in plain view (ex. Purses, wallets, phones, dash-cams, sunglasses, holiday gifts, spare change, etc.).
  • HIDE your belongings/valuables, so they cannot be seen by people passing by (in the trunk, console, glove box, etc.).

After the Holiday Season / After the Gifts are Opened: Burglars know that many households have new, and oftentimes expensive, items in their homes following the December holidays. Avoid leaving boxes for new electronics and other items in the alley or other garbage pick-up locations for several days at a time. Instead, break down any boxes you are throwing out and put them inside a trash/recycle can. Think about keeping broken-down boxes inside until the evening before your regular garbage pick-up.

Take a Holiday Inventory: The holidays are a good time to update or create a home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items and keep lists of those items with descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file.

If you witness a crime in progress or notice anyone in need of emergency response, please dial 911. After reporting to your local emergency response, please notify the management office.

On behalf of the management and staff of Welch Road Apartments, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy and safe holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

Sincerely,

Welch Road Apartments

By: Ashley McLamb, General Manager