Christmas is nearly upon us and New Year’s is just about a week away. And the Wilmington Police Department has several tips to make sure the holiday season is a happy one.

Many Wilmington residents will leave town to spend the holidays with family. Lieutenant Joe Desmond said checking in with neighbors before heading out for the holidays could save families from coming home to a break in.

“Neighbors will be the first ones to notice strange vehicles or activity at your house,” said Desmond. “We recommend that they call the police as soon as they notice something out of the ordinary. If a neighbor feels something doesn’t look right, it probably doesn’t.”

While several surrounding towns have had issues with packages ordered for Christmas being stolen off porches before residents pick them up, Desmond said Wilmington has not yet had any similar incidents.

Another common holiday issue that police deal with is finding drivers who have gotten behind the wheel after consuming too many holiday spirits.

Last weekend alone, Wilmington police arrested seven allegedly impaired drivers within three days. Though Wilmington Police Department received an OUI enforcement grant that runs through January 2, Desmond said the bulk of those arrests came from “old fashion patrol work.”

“We understand that this is a festive time of year,” said Desmond. “We want people to have fun. But safe fun is important. There is no special dispensation because it’s the holidays. Think before you get behind the wheel. Call a cab or arrange a ride. It’s just not worth risking your or anyone else’s safety. As last weekend showed, we will be out there.”

Desmond concluded by saying that the No. 1 priority for the police department is the safety of the town’s residents, something that holds true especially around the holiday season.

“We can’t do it alone and appreciate the help we get during the course of the year,” said Desmond. “The Wilmington Police Department wishes everyone a happy and safe New Year.”