Some simple steps can help make holiday season safer
We’re entering one of my favorite times of the year: the holiday season. This is a time to get together with family and friends to reflect on the past year while looking forward to the beginning of a new one.
Those of us in law enforcement also know that this time of the year also brings an increase in theft crimes.
Many criminals rely on the help of their victims to accomplish their goal. To these people, the perfect crime is one that takes only seconds to complete, and one that has a minimal chance of drawing unwanted attention. For these reasons, thefts from a vehicle are some of the most commonly reported crimes.
Help stop thefts
Unfortunately, the Vandalia Division of Police has taken numerous theft complaints from unlocked vehicles this year. Many are reported hours after they have occurred, and many of these thefts will remain unsolved, because there was no evidence or witness to the theft.
Following are some ways to make a thief ’s job much harder and riskier:
■ Lock your motor vehicle. Most thieves will only enter an unlocked vehicle.
■ Make sure all the vehicle windows are closed and secured.
■ Do not leave your keys in the vehicle.
■ If you must leave valuables or gifts in the vehicle, hide them in the trunk.
■ Do not leave your wallet or purse in an unattended vehicle.
■ Keep your porch light on at night if your car is parked in front of your house. When at a store or shopping mall parking lot, park under or near a light.
■ Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the police immediately.
Avoid alcohol incidents
Another potential danger during the holiday season involves alcohol.
It’s an unfortunate byproduct of the season. With the holidays come holiday office parties. Family members try hard to get home for the holidays, and gather to toast the season.
College kids find themselves home for the first time in months, often with a lot of spare time on their hands. All of these situations can lead to over-indulging.
Over-indulging can lead to some serious problems, such as intoxicated driving and underage drinking. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to remain safe throughout the holidays, and stay on the right side of the law.
Without question, the best way to navigate the holiday social scene is with a designated driver. Before leaving your home, decide among your friends and relatives who will be the designated driver. The designated driver does not consume any alcohol during the night’s activities.
This person also serves as a safety person at a party or bar. They can make sure no one wanders off alone or leaves with a stranger.
They can also lend a watchful eye to make sure belongings are not stolen from anyone. The designated driver can be the difference between a fun night out and a tragedy.
Underage drinking is another issue that seems to escalate during the holiday season. Ohio Revised Code 4301.69 prohibits person(s) under the age of 21 from consuming any beer or intoxicating liquor unless there are special circumstances. Typically, those special circumstances would include a religious observation or consumption under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or of-legal-age spouse.
The most common violation of this law is referred to as a “Keg Law” violation. A good example would be a home party where there is a keg or cooler of beer available for everyone to use. If an underage person is found to be consuming beer or intoxicating liquor at a party, the homeowner or host will be charged.
It is a not a reasonable defense to have a sign above the cooler or keg saying you must be 21 years old to consume.
If you are hosting a party with underage persons present, then you must make a reasonable attempt to limit access to beer or intoxicating liquor. The courts have consistently ruled that having a keg or cooler out in the open and unsupervised is not a reasonable attempt to limit access.
Every year, arrests and accidents rise during the holiday for alcohol violations.
The Vandalia Division of Police wants all citizens to enjoy the holidays with family and friends in a safe manner. The goal is for everyone to have fun, create family memories and travel safely.