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.
October Edition
5