Holiday season: Here are some crime prevention and safety tips [Video]

It’s the season for holiday celebrations and the Ottawa Police Service wants you to stay safe, noting that it’s a busy time for thieves as well.

Police are reminding residents of how to stay safe while celebrating, getting around, or shopping.

Driving

“To promote safe and responsible celebrations, the Ottawa Police Service has launched its RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program,” police said in a news release.

If you plan to consume alcohol or cannabis, make arrangements for a safe way home, such as:

•              Booking a car service

•              Using public transportation

•              Assigning a designated driver

 “It is also important for drivers to exercise safety precautions due to the rising amount of car thefts across Ottawa.”

The city’s police says vehicle owners can minimize the risk of having their cars stolen by:

 •             Parking inside a garage if available.

•              Locking your doors and keeping valuables out of sight when shopping or running errands.

• Installing a tracking …