.      It is almost time to welcome in another year.  And as we approach the final days of 2009 and attempt to wrap up all of its loose ends, the Sheriff’s Office has tried to shift focus outward and take advantage of some of the opportunities available for community outreach. 

Many of our Deputy Sheriffs and office personnel devote personal time and resources to a diverse range of charitable activities.  But in the midst of our fast-paced work environment consistently occupied with emergency situations, deadlines and new projects, we do not always have the chance to give back as a group. 

The KDKA Turkey Drive gave Sheriff’s Office employees the perfect occasion to make a real impact.  Employees raised a total of $2,300 for the KD Turkey Fund.  Due to the generosity of Sheriff’s Office personnel, over 150 local families were given a turkey for their holiday dinner, as well as, a little bit more of a reason to celebrate Thanksgiving.  I was proud of our employees. In today’s tense financial climate, many willingly offered more money than anticipated. 

On Saturday, December 5th, I will be joining representatives of the Sheriff’s Office and the St. Barnabas Presents for Patients® campaign for their annual phone-a-thon.  We will be broadcast live from the WPXI-TV studios from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. to field telephone calls from individuals wanting to adopt a nursing home patient for the Christmas holiday. 

If I could supply any bit of first-hand advice, it would be to consider adopting a patient.  Every year, Deputy Sheriffs and members of our Reserves Unit deliver stockpiles of gifts to dozens of personal care facilities within Allegheny County.   More than the actual presents they receive, the residents are visibly touched by the mere presence of their kind guests.  They are so eager to have visitors and many times, treat you with the warmth and compassion of a long-time friend.    From huge smiles and hopeful eyes to tears of happiness, the nursing home patients show their excitement in a variety of ways.  Don’t forget to tune into WPXI on December 5th.

      This holiday season, don’t let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers and pickpockets a better chance to do their dirty work.  Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, but chiefly because it’s an opportune time for crime.  Whether you are about to celebrate a holiday in the coming weeks or not, here are some tips on how to celebrate this holiday season.

Traveling

• Purchase an automatic timer for your lights
• Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow and park in the driveway from time to time
• Give a vacation report to your local law enforcement agency
• Do not forget to have mail and newspaper delivery temporarily stopped
  • Piled up mail and newspapers is a sure sign that there is no one home

Out and About for the Evening

• Turn on lights and a radio or TV to give the impression that someone is home
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it is for a short period of time
• Do not display gifts where they can be seen from outside

Shopping

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings
• Park in a well-lit area, be sure to lock your vehicle and trunk
• Hide shopping bags and gifts in your trunk, if possible
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with check or credit card whenever possible
• Deter pickpockets and purse snatchers:
• Do not overburden yourself with multiple packages
• Keep your purse close to your body and do not dangle it from an arm
• Put your wallet inside a coat pocket or the front pants pocket
• While shopping with children:
• Ensure that they know your cell phone number in case of separation
• Make sure your children remain in the last place that you both were, so that is the first place to check for them
• Identify responsible adults that children may ask for help
• Go over the potential danger that strangers may incur

Shopping Online

• Secure your computer by updating the most current security software before beginning holiday shopping
• Keep your personal information private, as well as your user name (s) and password(s)
• Beware of bargains from unfamiliar companies
• Use secure websites for purchases
• Be sure that the html is an HTTPS, meaning that it is a secure site
• Shop with companies you know and trust
• Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise:
• Prepaid credit cards
• Money orders

If a stranger comes to the door…

• Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts
• Ask for identification when solicitors go door-to-door to ensure they are working for the company they say they are representing

            Last but not least, don’t let holiday stress get the best of your holiday spirit.  We encourage that you always make time to get together with family, friends and neighbors during the holidays.  If possible, remember the lonely and less fortunate during the season of giving and lend a helping a hand.

On behalf of the Deputies and staff of the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, we wish you a peaceful and safe holiday season and a bright new year ahead.