Security Tips for Preventing Crime at Home this Holiday Season

SANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Each year during the holiday season consumers become more diligent about security. Our awareness of retail theft and online shopping scams increases and we take extra precautions to secure our financial health. However, the occurrence of crime in neighborhoods also rises. Thieves expect more items and packages to be left in cars, and they scope out and target neighborhoods whose residents are spending more time away from home.

"With the rise in Internet purchases during the holiday season, thefts of packages being delivered or left at your front door is also becoming more and more common," says Steve Jones, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Universal Protection Service. "If possible, have those packages sent to your office or a location where someone will be there to sign and receive the deliveries."

The following tips and actions will help reduce the occurrence of residential crime -- not only at Christmas but all year long.

    --  Refrain from openly displaying attractively wrapped presents in your
        home.

    --  After shopping, place purchases in the trunk of your car.

    --  Be alert for people who seem out of place, and report any suspicious
        activity to your local police department.

    --  Lock your doors every time you leave the house.

    --  Secure checkbooks, wallets and cash; keep these items out of public
        view.

    --  Avoid keeping large amounts of cash in your home.

    --  Leave a light on in the evening hours, or if you will be returning
        home in the dark.

    --  Use automatic timers or motion detectors on both front and back porch
        lights.

    --  Trim bushes and hedges to make it more difficult for a burglar or
        robber to hide while you are away from home.

    --  When away for any more than a couple of days, stop delivery of mail
        and newspapers or ask a neighbor to gather your mail and paper.

    --  When arriving home, always be alert for anything unusual. If you do
        not feel comfortable going into your home, leave immediately and find
        someone who can accompany you.

About Universal Protection Service

Founded in 1965, Universal Protection Service combines an innovative mix of tradition with cutting edge systems and technology to keep pace with the ever-evolving needs of today's business environments. Headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif. with offices located throughout Arizona, California, Colorado and Washington each employ hands-on and highly experienced management teams, making Universal uniquely positioned to deliver the finest quality security professionals, fire and life safety services, and electronic security solutions that the industry has to offer. (PPO# 14417)

For more information visit our web site at http://www.universalpro.com.