As the holiday season approaches, the Surfside Police Department is reminding residents to stay vigilant and take simple precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable time with family and friends.
“While the holidays are a time for celebration, they can also bring increased opportunities for crime,” said Major Matelis. “By taking a few proactive steps, residents can better protect themselves, their homes and their loved ones.”
To help keep the community safe, the department offers the following holiday safety tips:
• Always lock your doors and windows, even when you’re home.
• Avoid leaving valuables in plain view inside your vehicle. If you must store items, place them in the trunk before arriving at your destination.
• Keep shopping bags out of sight by storing them in your car’s trunk.
• Secure your online purchases by bringing packages inside your home as soon as they arrive, or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them if you will be away.
• When shopping online, avoid clicking on suspicious links or emails.
• Use caution and watch for pedestrians and heavier traffic near the business district and Bal Harbour Shops.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Residents traveling for the holidays can also request a watch order from the Surfside Police Department, allowing officers to monitor their homes while they are away. In addition, the police station lobby is open 24 hours a day and serves as a safe exchange location for private transactions, including those arranged on OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace.
For more information on watch orders or community safety programs, visit the Surfside Police Department or call (305) 861-4862.