To report suspicious activity or thefts, call police at 902-490-5020. Reporting crime, no matter how minor, helps police determine and report on current and emerging problems or crime trends.
Tips for safe holiday shopping
- keep your purse zipped closed and in sight. If you’re carrying a wallet, keep it in a zipped pocket
- always lock your vehicle and park in well-lit, well-travelled areas
- never leave anything of obvious value in plain view in an unattended vehicle
- store anything of value in the trunk of your vehicle before you arrive at your destination
- avoid leaving high-end purchases in your vehicle, if possible
- try to shop during daylight hours
- when shopping at a mall or shopping complex, and you want to store packages in your trunk and then return to the mall or store right away, it is best to drive out of the parking lot so it looks like you’re leaving the area. Instead, drive to the other side of the mall or complex before re-entering
Tips for safe online shopping
- shop from a home computer, if possible. It’s safer than shopping at a public terminal
- go directly to a store’s website by typing its address into your web browser
- verify secure connections. Don’t enter any information if you see a broken key or open padlock symbol on your web browser; this means the transaction is not secure. When the key is complete or the padlock is locked, it’s a secure transaction
- unlike secure order forms on a website, email messages aren’t private. Don’t send confidential personal or financial information by email
- remember the golden rule of fraud prevention, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is
Tips to keep your credit and debit cards secure
- never share your PIN with anyone. Your PIN is confidential and should be treated that way
- examine bank statements frequently and note any unusual or unaccounted activity. Notify the bank or financial institution if you suspect someone has tampered with your account
- protect your PIN when using bank machines. Remember to hover and cover; hover over the terminal and cover the keypad to prevent someone from observing your key strokes and recording your PIN
- change your PIN if you think someone has accessed your account. It’s a good idea to change your PIN frequently
Tips to keep your home secure
- don’t put your Christmas tree and presents in front of a window where they can be seen easily
- don’t store presents in sheds and garages where they could be easy pickings for thieves
- ensure you have adequate lighting around your home