INDEPTH: HOLIDAYS
Holiday safety tips:
Crimeproof your home
CBC News Online | December 10, 2004
While overall crime may be trending downwards in Canada, a home full of trinkets and expensive gifts may be too much for burglars to resist. Here are some tips to help minimize your risks over the holiday season.
If you're out for the night
- Don't display gifts where they can be seen from the outside.
- Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
- Leave lights on as if someone's at home. Use timers for convenience.
If you're travelling
- Ask someone to watch your house, shovel snow and occasionally park in your driveway. That person can also take care of the mail. Any sign of a pileup signals your absence.
- Again, an automatic timer for the house lights is a good idea.
If you're shopping
- Ensure the car's locked, the windows are closed and any shopping bags and gifts are hidden from view.
- Park in a well-lit area.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Don't make it tempting for pickpockets. Put wallets in an inside coat or front pants pocket. Carry purses close to the body.
If you're at home
- Beware of anyone posing as a courier or fundraiser. Ask for identification. Reputable charitable organizations will be able to show you identification and explain how money raised will be used.
- Itemize your belongings. List descriptions and serial numbers. Take photos and videos of items. If a burglary does occur, a detailed inventory can aid in processing of insurance claims as well as identifying stolen items.
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| QUICK FACTS: |
Canadian men spend an average of $216 on gifts for their spouse
Canadian women spend about $158 on their spouse
Parents buy $187 worth of gifts for each of their children
Each Canadian spends an average of $358 on holiday food
Total cost of holiday gift-giving, entertaining, and eating for each Canadian
adult is $1,300
*VISA survey
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