Holiday Safety Tips
During the holidays, the potential for thefts and robberies increase. More people are out and about, and they are carrying more gifts and money than during other times of the year. While there's no need to be afraid, you should keep in mind the following holiday safety reminders:
- Carry your valuables wisely. Do not keep cash in your wallet. Instead, keep it in an inside pocket and only carry the credit cards you'll need.
- Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave packages in your car, put them in the trunk. Keep receipts with you.
- Carry a cell phone with you. If someone makes you suspicious or uncomfortable, notify security or call the police.
- Whenever possible, park and walk in well-lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings, especially the people around you.
- Carry your purse close to you, with the opening or flap towards your body. Never leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart.
- Do not keep a wallet, credit cards or cash in a backpack. If you are in a crowd, consider carrying the backpack in front of you. Pickpockets can quickly and easily remove items from a backpack without being noticed by the owner.
- Protect your credit card numbers and other personal information. Carefully dispose of receipts that have a credit card number on them. Never provide credit card information in response to unsolicited calls
- Don't announce your new high-dollar purchases after the holidays. Break down the boxes of TVs, stereos, computers, etc. and turn them inside out before putting them in the trash.
- If you are traveling for the holidays, make your home look "lived in". Have a friend or neighbor collect your mail and newspapers or have your service suspended while you are away. Use timers to turn lights off and on.
To report suspicious activity, please call 415-553-0123. For emergencies, call 911
Bike Theft Tip #1
Make It Hard To Steal
In the vast majority of bicycle thefts, bicycles were either unlocked, improperly locked, or locked with inadequate locking devices, such as lightweight cables or chains, or low-quality U-lock devices.
You should always carry a secure lock whenever you plan to leave your bicycle unattended. The "U"- shaped locks have proven to be the most effective, but like all locks or chains, they can be defeated. Use a high-end "U"- shaped lock to reduce the chances of the lock being defeated. You should also exercise care in where and how you lock your bicycle.
Whenever possible, lock your bicycle through the frame and both wheels to a designated sidewalk bicycle rack. Many buildings in San Francisco have lock racks imbedded into the concrete sidewalk in front of the building for this purpose. Take expensive components and accessories with you, such as seat post and saddle, panniers, or handlebar lights, etc. If you lock only the front wheel you may return to find only the front wheel. Leave your bicycle in a visible, well-lighted area. Avoid leaving your bicycle locked outside overnight.
The Guru of all things related to bicycles and bicycling, the late Sheldon Brown, recommends this simple but sensible locking procedure.