"Crime increases nearly 40% during the holiday season each year. We need your help in stopping this trend. Sheriff Lott would like to offer the following tips:

1. Never leave valuable items in plain view in your vehicle. 

2. Never shop or travel alone. Always have someone with you. Walk with friends, family or ask security or store personnel to escort you to your car.

3. Try not to visit an ATM after dark.  Do all of your banking during the day.

4. If you are traveling, don't stop delivery of your mail or newspaper. Have someone you trust collect these items daily.

5. Always park and walk in well-lit areas. 

6. When traveling, prepare. Be familiar with the route you will travel and your destination. Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Share your travel itinerary with someone you trust.

7. Be alert at all times! Be aware of who is walking near your or if someone approaches you for help, do not offer him or her a ride or let them inside your home.

Please pass on to all your employees, family and friends the attached crime prevention information. Click the following links for:
 - personal safety message,
 - burglary prevention message
 - identity theft message,
 - armed robbery prevention and safety message,
 - form that you can fill out to be placed on the Sheriff's Department email tree for information on trends and safety notifications.

With your help we can take the opportunity away from the criminals. If you are interested in having FREE crime prevention training or a FREE security analysis completed please call our Community Services Divisions at 576-3033. Also, our website www.rcsd.net contains additional crime prevention tips and information.