TOWSON, MD—With the holidays underway, the Baltimore County Police Department has released a series of safety tips for residents to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

The department emphasizes planning ahead, staying vigilant, and taking precautions to protect homes and belongings.

For travelers, the police advise planning ahead and allowing ample travel time. They recommend getting a good night’s sleep before driving, avoiding drowsy driving, and refraining from using handheld cell phones while driving. Designating a sober driver is also crucial for safety.

Home safety tips include installing an alarm system and automatic light timers, exercising caution with strangers at the door, and mailing cards and gifts from the Post Office or a blue U.S. Postal Service collection box. The police also advise against displaying gifts where they can be seen from outside the home.

During holiday shopping, the department stresses the importance of situational awareness, limiting the amount of cash carried, and walking to cars with a companion or store employee, especially at night. Parking in well-lighted areas and locking vehicles are also recommended.

For online transactions, the police advise ensuring safety for both buyers and sellers. They recommend using the previously-released list “Transaction Safe Zones.”

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.