Eric Passarelli
Geneva Police Chief

The holiday season is a special and memorable time of the year. It can be an opportunity to see friends and family that we don’t get to see often enough. It is also a very busy time of year and a time of year that unfortunately leaves some vulnerable to theft and other crimes associated with the holiday season.

We can never be too prepared or too careful this time of year. With that in mind, I have compiled some safety tips for you to consider this holiday season.

Shopping
While we are very lucky to live in a community as safe as Geneva, these are some tips to consider when you are out shopping:

• If you are shopping at night, park in a well-lighted area
• Park as close to your destination as you are able
• Never leave your car running and unoccupied
• Do not leave your valuables or packages in plain view within your car
• Be aware of your surroundings when you are approaching or leaving your vehicle
When it comes to shopping with the little ones in busy stores here are some things to consider:
• Advise your child to go to a store clerk, security personnel, or police officer If they get separated from you
• The stores are so busy that it is very easy for our children to get separated from us. Keep them as close to you as you can
• Never leave your children unattended in the car

Children
When it comes to shopping with the little ones in busy stores here are some things to consider:

• Advise your child to go to a store clerk, security personnel, or police officer If they get separated from you
• The stores are so busy that it is very easy for our children to get separated from us. Keep them as close to you as you can
• Never leave your children unattended in the car

Home Security
When it comes to home security, there are a few steps that you can take to lessen the likelihood that you will become the victim of a crime. Some of these steps include:

• Make sure that your doors and windows are locked. If you have an alarm system, make sure that it is armed. Most burglaries are crimes of opportunity.
• If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, have a neighbor or family member collect your mail and newspapers. If snow is expected, have someone clear your driveway while you are away. In addition, the Geneva Police Department offers vacation checks while you are away. There is no charge and applications can be picked up at the police department

• Make sure that your neighbors know that you will be away so that they can alert the police to suspicious activity
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer. In addition, motion detecting outdoor lights are very beneficial. Every effort should be taken to make it look like you are home.

• Holiday gifts should not be visible from windows or doors in your home
• If you are having packages delivered, attempt to have them picked up by a trusted neighbor if you aren’t home. There has been an increase in thefts of packages every year nationwide.

We wish you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.