With the holidays quickly approaching, the Cornelius Police Department would like to remind our residents of simple ways to keep you, your family, and belongings safe and secure during the holidays.

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your home, even for a few minutes.
• Don’t openly display your Christmas tree and gifts in the front window.
• Don’t advertise …Burglars look for occupancy cues like outdoor lights burning 24 hours a day, piled up newspapers, mail, or advertising flyers hanging on the door knob.
• When you are away from your home, make your home appear occupied. Use an inexpensive light timer when you are away and ask a neighbor to pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Remember, when shopping always be aware of your surrondings. Look for anything that catches your eye as suspicious. Situational awareness is key when discouraging a subject with ill intent. Walk with a purpose, thieves look for the easy target.
• Try to coordinate shopping trips during daylight hours or shop with a friend.
• Hide all gifts out of view from the outside. A typical thief will move on to a vehicle that a guaranteed hit.
• Have your keys/pepper spray in your hand as you make your way to your vehicle.
• Avoid carring large sums of cash. Credit cards provide you better protection. Once cash is gone, chances are you will never see it again.
• Carry a small purse or wallet. Large purses attract attention and restrict mobility.
• After Christmas, don’t advertise gift boxes outside of your house for trash removal. This gives a thieves a good idea of what inside your home.