Over 55 December 2020 Newsletter

From our families to yours, we would like to extend our best wishes for the holidays. While the pandemic has made 2020 a very challenging year, our wish is that for all of us 2021 will bring hope, peace and joy.  For our December newsletter, we are including some great safety tips from our friends at Neighbourhood Watch London.

Protection from Package Theft

According to London Police Services, there’s been a 36% increase in porch package thefts this December, compared to 2019. “With pandemic safety measures coinciding with a holiday season in full-swing, people are turning to online shopping now more than ever. While many businesses are still open, many London residents are choosing to shop online in order to avoid packed shopping malls and grocery stores. Many services have also moved to contactless delivery, no longer requiring a signature upon delivery,” notes the LPS. The London Police Services website has some safety tips including;

• When possible, arrange for a specific delivery time or window to ensure that you will be home.
• Monitor your tracking number to ensure that you are around when the package is delivered.
• Ask a neighbour if they could receive your package if you won’t be home at the time of delivery.

For more prevention tips visit the LPS website Porch Package Theft

Watch Your Vehicles

It’s always important to remember to lock your vehicles. And that’s an especially timely reminder, when we’re out shopping this time of year. Earlier this month, the Insurance Bureau of Canada released its 2020 list of the top 10 stolen vehicles in Canada. “Electronic auto theft is on the rise across the country as more vehicles are equipped with technology like keyless entry remotes,” notes the IBC. “In addition there’s a growing trend, especially during the pandemic in dangerous activities such as street racing…providing a market for small, speedy vehicles.”

Here’s a link to the IBC’s top 10 vehicle theft list. 

Are You Password Protected?

It can be challenging to manage multiple passwords on the internet. But be aware that using something easy to remember can put you at risk of being hacked.  The internet security company NordPass puts the password 123456 at the top of its list of the 200 worst passwords for 2020, noting that it can take hackers less then one second to crack Most common passwords of 2020

To create a strong password, the Better Business Bureau recommends it should be at least 8 characters long, with upper and lower case letters along with numbers and symbols. The BBB says it’s best to avoid using family and pet names as well as birthdays. For suggestions  visit BBB Tip: How to Create a Strong Password

Have a Safe & Happy Holiday! See You in 2021!