Holiday Safety Tips from Hollywood Park’s Police Lieutenant

by Executive Lieutenant Vance Chandler, Sacramento Police Department, South Command

My name is Vance Chandler and I serve as your area police lieutenant, responsible for Police Districts 4A and 4B.

As your area lieutenant, it is my honor to serve you and your families. My commitment to you is to do my best to keep you all informed and provide any support you may need. I send out frequent emails about our neighborhoods and updates on our police department. If you would like to be added to the email list, please email me at vchandler@pd.cityofsacramento.org

For a short message from your area captain, who I work directly with, please watch this short 33 second video: Captain Adam Green – South Command

Practice Safety During the Holidays

We are in November and the holidays are approaching quickly. Here are some tips to help protect you and your property during this time of the year.

Vehicle Safety

Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle
Don’t leave your vehicle running and unattended
Be alert and look around your car before entering it
Park in well-lit areas or under lamp posts at night
Make sure all of your vehicle doors are locked before you park
If your vehicle is equipped with an alarm system, be sure to activate it when you park

Personal Safety

Carry a cell phone with you and report suspicious behavior to our police department. Our non-emergency number is (916) 808-5471. For emergencies, call 911 immediately
Be alert and avoid displaying or carrying large sums of money
Use a credit card to purchase items and keep a record of all card numbers at home
Beware of strangers approaching you. Thieves may try to distract you with the intention of taking your valuables
Don’t carry anything in your purse that you can’t afford to lose

Delivery Safety

Schedule deliveries when someone is home to receive the package
Use tracking numbers and email/text notifications to closely monitor when packages arrive
Have packages delivered to a workplace or apartment lobby where someone can sign for it
Connect with neighbors, friends and family members to make arrangements to sign for and receive packages
Be a vigilant neighbor. Report all suspicious activity, including any strangers potentially casing in your neighborhood

Online Safety

Only shop on trusted websites
Don’t click links in emails. Identity thieves are creating emails that look like they are from trusted companies, but clicking links may infect your computer with malware or give the thieves access to passwords
Be sure to keep everything including passwords and computer software up to date
To keep your bank account safe, use credit or prepaid cards to purchase items