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PROTECT
YOURSELF WHILE SHOPPING
- Avoid
shopping alone.
- Park
in a well-lighted area.
- Put radar
detectors & cellular phones out of sight.
- Keep an
eye on people in front of as well as behind you.
- Carry
your purse close to your body.
- Don't
flash large amounts of cash.
- Walk with
confidence.
- Avoid
talking to strangers.
- Approach
your vehicle with your keys in your hand.
- Try not
to carry too many packages.
- Place
all packages out of sight, preferably in the trunk.
- Keep your
vehicle doors locked and your windows shut.
How to
Safeguard Your Home While on Vacation
Source: Florida Attorney General's Office
- Make your
home look as lived-in as possible.
- Let your
neighbors & local law enforcement know your plans.
- Give
your neighbor a key and an emergency telephone number to reach you.
- Stop
your mail & newspaper deliveries.
- Use automatic
timers to turn on a radio and lights at different intervals.
- Turn down
the ringer on the telephone.
- Be sure
you don't announce your absence on your answering machine message.
- Leave
your blinds like you normally would if you were home.
- Be sure
to close and lock the garage as well as any storage sheds, gates, etc.
- Engrave
valuables with your driver's license number and videotape the contents
of your home.
- Ask your
neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway.
- Be sure
someone knows your itinerary and your estimated time of arrival and
return.
- Give your
alarm company and/or neighbor a contact number.
- If you
get lost while traveling, ask directions of local law enforcement, not
strangers.
- Be sure
your vehicle is in good working condition and that you have taken enough
money.
- Do not
carry large amounts of cash, use credit cards and travelers' checks.
The Orange
County Sheriff's Office provides Vacation Security Checks by the deputies
who patrol in our neighborhood. If you are interested in this free service,
call the non-emergency number (407 737-2400) prior to your travels.
If you are
new to your street, ask who your Block Captain is, and ask them to keep
an eye on things for you. Further, if you witness or know of crime happening
in our area, give Barbara Ellers a call at 407 351-4658.
Be a Senior
Sleuth
The primary goal of the Senior Sleuth Project is to reduce the victimization
of seniors who are often targeted for specific crimes or scams.
Could you or would you be a Sleuth? If you wish to volunteer for a covert
operation with law enforcement, please complete an application. When approved,
you would act as a potential consumer for a business or person who was
suspected of scamming seniors. You would allow law enforcement personnel
(who would be nearby) to record the transaction as evidence. This is all
coordinated by law enforcement.
If you are interested in further information call Jean Moe, Director/Community
Relations, OCSO, 407-836-3734 or e-mail jean.moe@ocfl.net.
Donate an Old Cell Phone
Discarded
cell phones are needed - contact Jean Moe. She asks that the batteries
and charger be included. These cell phones are provided FREE to those
in need. Even without a service plan, cell phones can still reach 911
operators for emergencies.
Important
telephone numbers:
1. Jean Moe, Senior Sleuths, 407 836-3734.
2. Residents' Safety Concerns Hotline, 407 836-9058.
3. To subscribe to the No Sales Solicitation Calls List, contact the Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP FLA.
4. Consumer fraud, 407 836-2490.
5. To stop pre-approved credit card offers call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT.
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