Crime & Safety

Thanksgiving Marks Start of the Holiday Season

Suffolk County Police Department offers tips for residents to stay safe.

Thanksgiving Day, signifying for many the start to the holidays, commences a season requiring attention to a number of issues as we celebrate and prepare for the holiday season.

Holiday Safety: Although the deploys extra patrols during the holiday season, it is incumbent on everyone to take basic precautions to ensure both the safety and security of themselves and their possessions.

Driving Safety: Suffolk County's roadways are increasingly crowded during the shopping season and parking lots can become quite congested. Motorists must exercise extreme caution when driving, remaining alert and attentive, and refraining from engaging in distractive driving behavior such as talking on a cell phone or texting. Many crashes occur in parking lots during the holiday season—for this reason it is incumbent on all to drive at a slow speed, to use caution when approaching parking lot intersections, and to remain alert for vehicles backing out of parking spaces and for pedestrians. Never park in fire zones—doing so creates an obstruction for emergency responders and creates a hazardous situation for pedestrians. Similarly, never park in handicapped spaces unless you have a valid permit.

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Shopping and Crowd Safety: Great shopping deals can mean large crowds and long lines at retail stores. The stress and anticipation of doors opening and the frustration of waiting on long lines can make others aggressive. If you see a large, unorganized crowd gathering, do not panic—instead step back and remove yourself from the potentially hazardous situation. No matter how significant the discounts may be, they are not worth risking injury. If you see any hazardous behavior, such as an unorganized crowd or an altercation, call 911 and remember to remain calm at all times.

If you plan on shopping sales well into the night, do not shop alone. Taking along a shopping buddy will not only make your shopping experience more enjoyable, but it will make it safer as well. When shopping, be sure your wallet and purse are secure on your person and closed—never leave them unattended in a shopping cart or in a dressing room.

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Be sure navigation devices, cell phones and other electronics are not in view in your vehicle. Secure them in the glove compartment or out of sight. Nothing is more attractive to a thief than an unlocked vehicle or a vehicle filled with recent purchases. Be sure packages are out of view or secured in the trunk, and be sure to always keep your vehicle windows closed and doors locked.

Try to avoid using ATM's outside at night, but if you must do so select one that is in a well-lit, heavily populated area. In all cases, try to avoid carrying large quantities of cash.

Have a game-plan of where you will be shopping and an estimated time you will arrive home. Be sure to share this information with family or friends. Carry a cell phone with you in case of emergency.

Don't Drink and Drive This Holiday Season: Many people aren't aware that Thanksgiving Eve has become a party night among young adults. Many college students come home for the holiday and get together with friends the evening before Thanksgiving to socialize. To ensure that everyone has fun and stays safe – never drink and drive. Everyone who plans to celebrate away from home should designate a driver if they plan on drinking alcoholic beverages—an issue every parent should discuss with their children who drive. The Suffolk County Police Department will be deploying extra DWI patrols this holiday season and will continue to aggressively enforce laws relating to driving under the influence. The severe penalties that accompany an arrest for DWI, which may include stiff fines, jail time and seizure of your motor vehicle, pale in comparison to the serious injury and loss of life that occurs in DWI-related crashes.

If you witness someone you believe is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please call 911 immediately. Illegal consumption of alcohol by minors should be reported immediately to (631) 852-COPS (2677). Information regarding future parties where alcohol or other substances will be unlawfully consumed can be reported anonymously to 1-800-220-TIPS, or "texted in" by texting "SCPD" and the message to "CRIMES" (274637). Tips can also be emailed in using Tip Submit at www.tipsubmit.com. Rewards may be available and you may save a life!

Each year, members of the police department participate in numerous events to benefit the less fortunate. One such event is our annual food drive which is conducted by the Suffolk County Police Department, the NY State Police and the Urban League of Long Island. This event provides free food to those in need. Community members wishing to support the food drive are requested to call 852-6530.


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