Safety Tips for Garage/Yard Sales

With the weather getting warmer and people considering spring cleaning and making more space in their homes, the Montgomery County Police Department would like to make suggestions on how you can have a safe and secure sale:

· Do not advertise the sale as a "Moving Sale," which implies the

house may be vacant for extended periods;

· Ask for help running the sale;

· Place expensive items near you (usually by the checkout table);

· Lock doors into your home;

· Acknowledge all shoppers; 

· Be observant and wary of distractions;

· Do not answer questions about alarm systems, daytime/nighttime

occupancy, etc.;

· Do not allow shoppers into your home;

· Watch your cash box and keep only a minimal amount of cash on

Site;

· It's preferable to not accept checks from strangers; and

· Have a phone on your person to report any suspicious activity.

If you need to call the police in an emergency, dial 9-1-1 or if it’s a non-emergency dial 301-279-8000.