During the year-end holidays, people are often busy, excited, and sometimes a little bit careless.
Here are some tips to make your holiday shopping safer.
SHOPPING
Shop before dark if possible. Coordinate shopping trips with a friend. Never park in an unlit lot or area, no matter how convenient it is.
Lock your packages and gifts in your vehicle’s trunk. Keep you vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed.
Don’t leave your keys in the car EVER. Always take them with you.
Don’t hide car keys on your car; thieves know where most people hide keys.
Close the roof on a convertible.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check, credit card, or debit card when possible.
To discourage purse snatchers, don’t overburden yourself with packages. Have your purchases delivered whenever practical.
Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse under your arm. Keep a wallet in an inside jacket pocket, not a back trouser pocket.
Keep careful track of your bags and other packages. If you leave something behind, it could get stolen or discarded.
Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies when taking mass transit: report any unattended packages to security or staff.
Check receipts to see whether your full credit card number appears. If a receipt has your full number on it, take a pen and thoroughly scratch it out.
Double check that you have your credit cards and check book after you pay for your items.
Make a plan with your children in case you get separated. Have a central meeting place and review with your children who they can turn to for help if they find themselves alone.
Go over the dangers of strangers with children so that they know who not to talk to or follow.
Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for help if you become separated. They should never go into a parking lot alone.