Preventing crime this holiday season

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrea F. Liechti
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Presents with shiny red and green wrapping tied with bows under a family Christmas tree are not only appealing to children but to burglars as well.

According to statistics provided by Staff Sgt. Floyd Ford, 2nd Security Forces Squadron reports and analysis NCO in-charge, crime rates tend to be higher during the holiday season.

"To keep the Barksdale community safe, we've increased patrols around base," said Staff Sgt. Garrett Thompson, 2 SFS police services. "A lot of people travel during the holidays, so we spend a lot of time watching for suspicious activity in the housing areas on the East Reservation."

The 2 SFS recently implemented a program to warn homeowners of suspicious or potentially dangerous things they find.

"If we notice a household that keeps its key in an obvious location, like under a rock, we post a note on the door to inform residents of the potential danger they could face," Thompson said. "We want to help residents prevent break-ins, especially during this time of year."

Although members of 2 SFS can't physically protect all homes in the community, the squadron offers the following tips to help people stay safe in their homes this holiday season:

- Don't leave doors unlocked.

- Don't openly display a Christmas tree or presents in front of a window.

- Don't leave lights on all the time or allow mail to stack up when gone for a long period of time. Use the buddy system with a neighbor and have him or her grab your mail.

- Don't leave a message on the answering machine stating leave and return dates or trip details when traveling.

- Don't leave a house key anywhere outside of the home.

- Don't pile up trash, especially boxes from big equipment that was recently purchased. A television box could become an advertisement for a burglar.

In addition to preventing crimes in the home, Thompson also provides tips for those who plan to go shopping:

- Shop with a friend.

- Try not to shop during hours of darkness. If unavoidable, park in well-lit areas.

- Lock gifts in the trunk, not near windows.

- Females: carry purse under arm and have keys readily available.

- Males: keep wallet in front pocket.

- Don't carry a lot of cash. Use credit cards, checks or debit cards instead.

- Be aware of strange people and con-artists.

Follow the guidelines listed above to stay safe this holiday season, Thompson said. If trouble arises for Airmen on base, contact the law enforcement desk at 456-2551. People off base should contact their local police department.