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Plymouth Township Police Department is a firmer believer in Safety First! Please select a topic from the list below or scroll down to read the entire section.
Shopping Safety Tips
 Shopping is a time to take extra precautions to avoid becoming a crime
statistic. The good news this year is that auto theft and crimes against persons
at the Plymouth Meeting Mall and the Metroplex complex are down from last year.
The bad news is that there are still thefts from vehicle and persons.
There is a
huge demand among criminals for your credit cards, checkbook, ID and cellular
phone.
Here are a few suggestions that may prevent you from becoming a victim.
Remember - criminals are opportunists. If you do not provide them with the
opportunity to commit a crime, they will move on to an easier target.
The Parking Lot
- Become familiar with the layout.
Exits and store locations.
- Note where you have parked.
Section, aisle or pole number.
- Walk "purposefully" and be aware
of your surroundings!
- Take note of:
- Persons wandering aimlessly.
- Suspicious vehicles.
- Questions and directions.
- Don't overburden yourself with
packages, children, etc.
Your Vehicle
- Always lock the doors and roll
the windows all the way up.
- Never store a valet key in the
car.
- Keep registration and insurance
cards with you --- not in the car.
- If you have a security device ---
USE IT.
- Keep all valuables stored in your
vehicle out of sight!
- Secure cell phones, purses,
presents etc. in the trunk or covered area.
- Whenever possible ---remove
unnecessary valuables before you go shopping. directions
Shop, carefully!
- Be aware of your purse or wallet
at all times.
- Carry your purse with the flap
facing you and hold it close to your body.
- Don't place the strap across your
body.
- Carry your wallet next to your
skin, not in you coat pocket.
- Be alert for pickpockets and
thieves.
- If somebody bumps you, check
your wallet or purse.
- Many pickpockets work in
teams, one will distract you while the
other steals your money or credit cards.
- Be wary of people setting
their shopping bags down next to yours.
- When dining, ladies, remember to
keep your purse on the floor between your feet.
Never hang you purse from the back of your chair.
- Never carry large sums of money.
If you must, don't "flash" it around
- Credit Card Safety
- ALWAYS SIGN YOUR CREDIT CARDS
- Remember to retrieve your
cards after a transaction.
- Know where the
receipts/carbon copies for the purchase are after the transaction.
- If cards are lost or stolen
report them immediately to your bank or card company.
- Do not put credit card
numbers on checks (You are not required by law to do this).
- Scrutinize monthly statements
for purchases you did not make.
- If it sound too good to be true,
it probably is!
From all of us at Plymouth Township, have a happy, safe and crime-free
shopping experience!
Vacation Crime Prevention
Tips
 Vacation is a time for relaxation and enjoyment. It can also be the time for
crime victimization if appropriate crime prevention measures are not followed.
The following crime prevention tips or recommendations are designed to allow the
vacationer to enjoy a safe and secure trip and to return to a secure residence.
Before Leaving ...
Secure Your Residence
- Have good locks on all doors and
windows and use them.
- Make sure your residence looks
lived in, not empty.
- Leave shades and blinds in a
normal position.
- Ask a neighbor to watch your
residence while you are away. Leave your vacation address and telephone
number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
- Test your smoke and burglar
alarms.
- Stop all deliveries, arrange for
a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspaper and packages.
- Arrange for someone to mow your
lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a lived-in look.
- " Have a neighbor place garbage
cans at the curb on your normal pickup day(s) and return them after the
garbage pickup is made
- Plug in timers to turn lights and
a radio or television on and off at appropriate times.
- Turn the bell or ringer on your
telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won't be alerted to your
absence by a ringing telephone.
- If you have call forwarding on
your telephone, forward your calls to a trusted friend or relative.
- Don't announce your absence on
answering machine messages; leave your normal message on the machine.
- Engrave your valuables with your
driver's license number and post Operation Identification decals on entry
doors and windows.
- Close and lock garage doors and
windows. Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you leave
your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside
should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
- Consider taking valuables to a
bank safety deposit box.
- Ask local police to place your
home on their vacation check list.
On The Road
- Never carry large amounts of
cash; use travelers checks. If you must carry large sums of money, do not
display it openly.
- Keep a record of traveler's check
numbers and your credit card numbers in a safe place. Have the telephone
numbers to call in case your checks or credit cards are stolen or lost.
- Be aware of your surroundings and
never advertise your plans to strangers; this includes travel routes and the
amount of cash you are carrying.
- Do not stop to offer help to a
stranded motorist. Go to the nearest telephone and call for assistance.
- If you suspect someone is
following you, drive to the nearest service station, restaurant or business
and call the police or sheriff's department. If you believe it is unsafe for
you to get out of your car, sound your horn and flash your lights to draw
attention.
- If your car breaks down, raise
the hood and attach a white flag to the antenna or door handle. If someone
stops to help, it is advisable that you stay in your locked car and ask him
or her to call the police or a garage. If you must abandon your car, keep
all passengers together.
- Do not carry your airplane
tickets or passport in open view.
- Be very careful with bus, train
or airplane tickets. They are as good as cash.
- Males are advised to carry their
wallets in an inside pocket or front trouser pocket.
- Females are advised to carry
their purse under their arm.
- Take a picture of your suitcases
and keep the picture(s) with you. The picture(s) may be helpful in
identifying your luggage if it is lost by an airline.
- While traveling, be sure your
luggage is locked.
- Label each piece of luggage with
your name and business address.
Car Security
-
 Always lock your car after
entering or leaving it.
- Park in well-lighted areas.
- Check the back seat before
entering your car.
- Mark your car radio and other
removable car equipment with your driver's license number.
- Always lock valuables out of
sight, preferably in the trunk. Always carry wallet, checkbooks and purses
with you.
- Do not advertise that you are a
tourist. Place maps and travel brochures in your vehicle's glove
compartment.
Hotel and Motel
Security
-
 If you are staying in a hotel or
motel, take all of your luggage and valuables to your room.
- Never leave money, checks, credit
cards, car keys or valuables in the room. Take them with you.
- Determine the most direct route
to and from your room, to the fire escapes, elevators and nearest telephone.
- When occupying or leaving your
room, use all auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows. (You may want
to purchase a portable door lock for traveling).
- Keep a daily check of your
belongings.
- Place extra cash, expensive
jewelry or other valuables in the hotel/motel safe.
- Use the door viewer to identify
anyone requesting entry. Open the door only if you are certain the person
has a legitimate reason to enter your room. If in doubt, call the
hotel/motel office.
- Unpack and place belongings in
the closet and dresser. Arrange your things so you'll know if anything is
missing.
- Consider locking any electrical
appliances (blow dryers, electric shavers, etc.) in your luggage. Suitcases
should always be locked so they cannot be used to carry your property out of
your room.
- Report any lost or stolen items
to the hotel/motel management and to the police.
- Report to the management any
suspicious movements in the corridors or rooms.
Sight-Seeing
- Ask for directions at a
hotel/motel on how to get to those attractions you want to visit.
- If you are going out in an
unfamiliar area, ask the hotel clerk if there are areas you should avoid.
- Select tour guides carefully.
- Don't advertise you are a
tourist. Don't look lost or vulnerable. Walk with a purpose and stay alert
to what's happening around you. If you get lost, find an open business and
ask for directions.
- Only carry with you the cash you
will need, and only in small denominations.
- If older children go off
separately, be sure they understand the importance of keeping track of time
and returning promptly at appointed hours.
 Camping Tips
-
Avoid camping alone in isolated
areas.
- Park your vehicle so it cannot be
blocked by another vehicle in case of an emergency.
- Mark all your belongings and
camping equipment with your driver's license number and keep a record of
equipment.
- Mark your tent, sleeping bags and
clothing with indelible ink
- Engrave your foot locker,
thermos, coolers, lamps and flashlights, fishing gear, backpacks, barbecue
grills, etc.
- Familiarize yourself with local
emergency locations and phone numbers in case of accidents or crimes.
- Avoid leaving your camping gear
(cook stove, ice chest, chairs, etc.) out in the open unattended.
- Get to know your neighbors and
help protect each other's belongings.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Carry a spare lock so you can use
storage containers available at many parks.
- Use a chain and lock to secure
propane tanks, portable generators, spare tires, bicycles, etc.
-
 Always lock your camping trailer
when you leave the vicinity.
- Install a locking device on the
trailer towing hitch, so your trailer cannot be towed away.
- Report any suspicious activities
and all crimes to the proper authorities.
Following these safety tips can make your summer
vacation safer and more relaxed. Please, have a safe and happy vacation.
Halloween Safety Tips
 Halloween can be an enjoyable holiday and an entertaining experience for
children of every age. It can also be a time of crime victimization or injury if
appropriate safety measures are not followed. The following safety tips and
recommendations are designed to allow trick-or-treaters to enjoy a safe and
rewarding experience.
Before Halloween
-
 Plan costumes that are bright and
reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough
to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
- Add reflective tape to costumes
and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
- Secure emergency identification
(name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a
bracelet.
- Because a mask can limit or block
eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat
as a safe alternative.
- When shopping for costumes, wigs
and accessories purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame
resistant.
- Obtain flashlights with fresh
batteries for all children and their escorts.
- Plan ahead to use only battery
powered lanterns or chemical lightsticks in place of candles in decorations
- This is also a great time to buy
fresh batteries for your home Smoke Alarms.
- Teach children their home phone
number and how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.
Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.
- Review with your children the
principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll," should their clothes catch on fire.
- Learn or review CPR skills to aid
someone who is choking.
- Take extra effort to eliminate
tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for
flowerpots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove
hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.
- Replace burned out light bulbs
outside the home to make sure your residence is well lit.
Before Nightfall on
Halloween
-
 A good meal prior to parties and
trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween
treats. Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less
likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it
for them.
- Consider fire safety when
decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or
special effects, and do not block exit doors.
- While children can help with the
fun of designing a Jack O' Lantern, leave the carving to adults.
- Always keep Jack O' Lanterns and
hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or
areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
- Plan and review with your
children the route and behavior that is acceptable to you.
- Do not permit children to
bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.
- Agree on a specific time when
revelers must return home. Older children and escorts should wear a
wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.
- Confine, segregate or otherwise
prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be
sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification
tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
- Remind all household drivers to
remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
Before
Trick-or-Treating
-
A parent or responsible adult
should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
Remind Trick-or-Treaters
To
-
 Use a flashlight so they can see
and be seen by others.
- Stay in a group, walk slowly and
communicate where you are going.
- Only trick-or-treat in well-known
neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
- Remain on well-lit streets and
always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk
at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use
alleys.
- Never enter a stranger's home or
car for a treat.
- Always walk. Never run across a
street.
- Remove any mask or item that will
limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
- Don't assume the right of way.
Motorists may have trouble-seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car
stops, doesn't mean others will.
- Never consume unwrapped food
items or open beverages that may be offered.
- No treats are to be eaten until
they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
After
Trick-or-Treating
-
 Wait until children are home to
sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should
closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or
suspicious items.
- Although sharing is encouraged,
make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given
only to those of an appropriate age.
Following these safety tips can make your
trick-or-treating experience safer and more relaxed. Please, have a safe and
happy holiday.
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Plymouth
Township