November 30, 2011 Vol. 90 No. 48
The holidays are an opportune time for crime. Arm yourself with information.
Holiday Crime Prevention
Don’t Be a Grinch!
By Shelly A. Schneider
IN this Issue
Area residents are in a giving spirit. We open our wallets to those less fortunate. We open our doors to family and friends. Be sure to open your eyes to crimes of opportunity during this season of giving. Media Relations Officer Rick Eckhard, St. Louis County Police Department, said it is difficult to live your life without being vulnerable at some point. “But if you minimize the opportunity, you minimize the chance of being a victim,” he said. “If you are a victim, the number one concern is self preservation. If someone has a weapon, then give it up. If you think it’s a life-threatening situation, survive.” Eckhard said the St. Louis County Police Department asks victims to be able to provide the most information possible. “I understand that if someone has a weapon you’re going to fixate on the weapon,” he said. “But try to retain as many details as possible. The clothing will be one of the main things (we look for) in the first 30 minutes after the crime. If you can, try to get the license plate, the make and model of the car and the direction of travel.” The National Crime Prevention Council offers the following tips for keeping yourself, your family and your home safe this holiday season. If you’re traveling: • Get an automatic timer for your lights. • Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time. • Don’t forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it’s a sure sign you’re gone. Out for the evening? • Turn on lights and a radio or television so it looks like someone is home. • Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7 Florissant Christmas Walk . . . . . . 5 School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
even if it’s just for a few minutes. • Don’t display gifts where they may be seen from the outside. Shopping Safety: • Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you. • Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk. • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible. • Deter pickpockets and purse snatchers. Don’t overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet inside coat or front pants pocket. • Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated. Holiday Crime Prevention Tips in Parking Lots: • Shop early and leave early to avoid darkness. • Park in a high visibility area and check for lighting in case you leave during hours of darkness. 10 Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas Traditions . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Learn & Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. • O’Fallon, MO 63366
• Do not park next to a vehicle with dark tinted windows. • Leave the store with others, not alone. • Ask security to escort you to your vehicle if you feel uncomfortable. • Walk briskly, confidently, and directly through the parking lot. Be cautious
of people handing out fliers or asking questions in the parking area. • Watch for people who may be following you. This can occur inside as well as outside. • If you suspect someone following you, report it to security immediately.
Movie Talk
See Movie page 15
“The Descendants” - Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight
Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Joe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Shelly Schnieder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
P: 636-379-1775 • FX: 636-379-1632
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 What’s Happening . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23
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