These days the newspaper headlines say it all, robbery, murder, theft, abduction, arson, and a countless aray of offences constantly highlight the front page.  The following tips will help you stay safe:

1. Never leave your residential doors unlocked, even when you are home. Purses, wallets, car keys and jewellery are a quick fix for most home invaders who spend an average of less than 4 minutes in a residence.

2. Street smart your children, a child who knows the do's and dont's is less apt to walk away with a stranger than one who does not.

3. Never leave valuables in plain site in a vehicle. Always lock the vehicle doors and remove the keys. Car thieves want to spend the least amount of time and energy when stealing from cars or a car itself.

4. When travelling in a vehicle always lock your doors. At a red light or stop sign it is very easy for someone to walk up to your passengers door, open it and get in. Once in your vehicle, you are at their mercy.

5. Never pick up a hitchhiker. How do you know what that person is thinking or how they feel that day? Have they just escaped from a jail or perhaps just committed a crime and are looking to get away from the area quickly? 

6. Never give your credit card # to anyone calling on the phone. No matter what their excuse is, if you have not initiated a purchase over the phone, then chances are someone is attempting to defraud you.

7. Write down all your credit card #'s and make photo copies of all your important personal I.D. In case of loss / theft it will be easier when it comes time to cancel via credit card hotline.

8. Install an alarm system in your residence. When you are away on vacation or at work, it's peace of mind knowing your hard earned valuables will be there when you get home.

9. When leaving on long term vacation, make arrangements to have your lawn mowed or driveway shoveled, mail picked up, suspend newspaper delivery, have trusted friends / neighbors come in every other night to change lighting configurations.

10. Never devulge personal information on the internet or (bulk) e-mails that appear to be from your bank. This is known as phishing and is sent out to millions by scam artists in hopes of luring vulnerable people.

Please scroll down to the bottom of this page and cast your vote. I hope this will make a difference in keeping you safe!

                                                  Glenn Pinto