Sheriff Lutz talks safety tips during holiday season

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- While the holiday season is a time of giving and cheer it often comes along with increased criminal activity such as robberies and break-ins.

Keeping that in mind it’s important to know how to keep yourself and your property safe. Sheriff Matt Lutz talked to WHIZ about things you can do to avoid being a victim this season. Lutz said when out shopping it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. You should park in well lit areas, have your keys ready to quickly get into your vehicle, and remember where you park.

“When you’re coming out of a store one of the things we’ve talked about in the past is just don’t necessarily walk out by yourself. It seems like you could be more of an easier target if you’re by yourself,” said Lutz. “It’s very easy to stand at the front door, check your phone, or find your keys and have your keys in your hand. And then when another group or some other people come walking out to go to their cars just walk out with them.”

Lutz said you should put any bags you have in the trunk of your car to keep them safe. He also suggested locking your car doors manually instead of using your key fob.

In addition to car safety, Lutz talked about safety at home. You should park your car in the garage if you have one. If you don’t, you should make sure the doors are locked and remove any valuables.

“If you have lighting at home, there’s a lot of really good motion lights now that stay dark and don’t take up electricity until something moves outside and that light kicks on and I really feel that that is a deterrent in certain aspects.”

Lutz said many thefts are crimes of opportunity and taking time to deter these crimes could help keep you and your property safeguarded.

“Criminals know that there’s going to be more things at your house that they could probably get and so the more cautious you can be at home, you know, keeping your doors locked all the time,” said Lutz. “You know, there’s folks now that have cameras and alarms at their houses and obviously those things cost a little bit more, but they do give you that piece of mind and give you that safe feeling that you have at your house.”