The following information is intended to serve as a helpful reminder regarding safety tips to utilize during the holiday season when  an increase in crime may occur. The Albany Police Department will also be working to provide increased patrols to serve our community and help protect residents and businesses during the holidays.

Tips for Residents

When at Home:

- Make sure all doors and windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.).
- Refrain from hiding spare keys in mailboxes, planters, or under doormats.
- Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or are activated by sensors.
- Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed so they do not conceal doors and windows. Overgrown foliage can provide a hiding place for criminals.
- Place gifts where they can't be seen from the outside.
- Consider safe deposit boxes for valuables.
- Ensure your vehicle is locked, with any valuables removed.

When Shopping:

- When possible, avoid shopping alone.
- At night, park in well-lit areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings outside and in the store.
- Try to carry a minimal amount of cash.
- Make sure not to leave valuables unattended for any amount of time.
- Have your keys out and ready before you get to your vehicle.
- Protect your PIN during purchases.
- Watch for skimming devices at gas pumps before using a credit card.
- Be cautious when using an ATM. Use machines located in busy areas and be aware of your surroundings.
- When purchasing online, always verify websites and use secured payment methods.

When Leaving for the Holidays:

- Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to watch your home.
- Use timers for lights while you're away.
- Remember to make arrangements for mail and newspapers.

Avoiding Package Theft:

- Ask a trusted neighbor to grab your packages when away from your home.
- Have your packages delivered to your office.
- Leave specific drop-off instructions.
- Use a smart lock.
- Install security cameras.

Tips for Businesses

- Ensure security cameras are functioning and visible. Post signs that any trespassers are being monitored.
- Limit entry points to just one.
- Lock up valuable assets.
- Avoid routines and patterns. Change up what time you or your employees drop cash from the till, and what time money is taken to the bank.
- When an employee is by themselves, businesses are the most vulnerable. If possible, operate with at least two people for all shifts, especially opening and closing shifts.
- Don’t leave the cash register or money unattended.
- Maintain visibility throughout the store. Make sure you can see the front door, that there are no “hidden areas,” and your shelves are positioned so that someone cannot hide.
- Increase visibility from the outside looking in.
- When paid with cash, check bills to ensure they are not counterfeit. Visit www.federalreserve.gov for tips on how to determine if banknotes are genuine with features such as watermarks.

The Albany Police Department (APD) can schedule times to meet with businesses or residents to talk through safety tips. Call the APD non-emergency number at 1(510) 525-7300  or email [email protected] to coordinate a time. Please don’t hesitate to call 911 to report a crime.