The Munster Police Department offers the following holiday season safety tips for residents:
• Carry your wallet in your front pocket, or your purse zipped up and slung in front of you. Do not carry large amounts of cash or any credit cards that you do need.
• Shop with a friend if possible, be alert for pickpockets, and store purchased items in the trunk of the car.
• Keep your home well-lit during the evening, making use of dusk-to-dawn lamps, motion-detecting lights, and timed lighting. Keep landscaping trimmed below the window line to prevent hiding places.
• Be aware of anyone who calls you or comes to your door asking for donations for needy individuals. Only provide donations directly to charities that you trust. Never give your personal information, social security number, or bank account number over the phone to someone who you do not know.
• Be aware of individuals asking to shovel your snow. Only allow trusted persons to do so and never allow strangers into your home