Safe Holiday Shopping
The criminals will be shopping this holiday season – will you give them the opportunity to make you their Santa Clause ? Here are some basic steps citizens can take to prevent or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of assault , robbery and car break- in . Some basic shopping safety tips :
• Keep all purses and bags zipped and snapped closed .
• Do not flash large amounts of cash when paying for merchandise .
• If using a debit card , keep the card close to your body so the card number will not be able to be photographed by a cell phone .
• Always shop with a buddy , you are less of a target when you have someone with you .
• If you have to take a phone call or text message – don ’ t let your guard down and get distracted while shopping .
• Let someone know where you are going and what time you may be returning .
• If using a shopping cart , try to secure your purse or bags with the child locking system .
• Do not carry large amounts of merchandise at one time .
• Do not carry your social security card or birth certificate in your wallet or purse .
• Carry only a minimum amount of credit cards at one time .
• If you feel uncomfortable in a situation , contact the sheriff ’ s department or the stores security officer .
• Report any suspicious people to the store security or customer service or 911 .
• Keep children secure in a stroller or shopping cart at all times . Do not allow your children to wander .
• Speak with your children about a plan if you were separated while shopping .
• Make sure your car is in good working order and your cell phone is charged . - MORE-
• Assault , Robbery , and “ snatching ” are crimes that may leave a person feeling violated , confused , and scared .
Below are some additional personal safety tips :
• Before leaving your home , make sure your cell phone is charged and your car is in working condition .
• If you typically keep your cell phone in a bag , keep your cell phone on your person in the situation someone does demand your purse .
• Work on a buddy system . When you are out shopping or jogging , have a buddy with you at all times .
• When you go shopping , make frequent trips to your vehicle to rid of shopping bags in your truck . This will prevent you from having your arms full of bags when you are done shopping .
• Park in a well lit parking lot .
• Always lock your doors when you are driving or not .
• When returning to your car , look under , in and around your car while approaching it .
• Be aware of your surroundings . When you are in a building , know where your exits are located as well as how you will plan to escape if needed .
• Prepare a family plan that consists of distress signals or code words .
• Do not leave valuables in plan view in your car .
• Be suspicious and aware by nature . If you get a gut feeling that something is not right , then act on your instinct .
• Be confident and look people in the eyes . If you do this you are more likely to dissuade an attacker from attacking you . You will be able to give identifying characteristics of the person .
• Take advantage of a self defense classes .
December Edition
15