To the Editor:
As a retired New Jersey State Trooper Captain and former Sheriff of Hudson County please find for the residents of Hudson County the following safety tips to assist in ensuring all enjoy a happy, healthy and most of all safe holiday season.
Always be aware of your surroundings and the persons in the area when you park your vehicle in a shopping area. Attempt to shop with others as there is safety in numbers. Use your trunk to store purchased items and never leave any type of package in your vehicle in view of the windows. When paying for purchases in the store, do not display large amounts of currency at the register or other areas.
When approaching an ATM for utilization, scan the area well to determine if there are any individuals loitering the vicinity of the machine. If in fact there are persons near the ATM, do not stop to use it. Ensure the ATM is well lit and secure. Report any suspicious activity immediately to your local police department.
Do not leave packages or other valuables in view of your windows if in fact you reside in a one family home or if your apartment is located on the first floor street level. Make sure the area of your home is well lit and free from obstructions that might prevent a police patrol vehicle from viewing activities in and around your home.
In regards to the holiday festivities never drive with any type of alcohol in your system. Ask a relative or friend who has not consumed alcoholic beverages to drive you or call a taxi to get you to your destination.
We wish you and your families all of the best for this joyous holiday season, and pray that all are safe and secure for this season and into 2012.
JUAN M. PEREZ
Retired N.J. State Trooper Captain
Former Sheriff of Hudson County