I got the following information emailed to me today from the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association. It was so full of great information that I couldn't resist sharing it with others. We spend a lot of time thinking about the great things surrounding Christmas but seldom think about the darker side lingering in the shadows. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! John Stark Happy Holidays from The Des Moines Police Department! During the year-end holidays, people are often busy, excited and sometimes a little bit careless. The following holiday crime prevention tips should be shared with others: At Home:

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment, even for a few minutes.
• Lock garage doors and windows.
• Don’t display holiday gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway. Store gifts before you go away on a holiday