Holiday Season Shopping Safety Tips

Being loaded down with too many packages leaves you vulnerable to crime during the holiday season. 

By Sharon Rose      

      There are less than two shopping days left until Christmas.  For some, who still have shopping left to do, the mad rush is on.  Then, there are others, like myself, who are really looking forward to taking advantage of the after Christmas sales. This is the season of shopping!  However, not meaning to promote fear or paranoia, it is also the season of higher petty crimes.  Unfortunately, Christmas shoppers are prime candidates to be victimized.  You can avoid being a victim by planning ahead.  So, in the last few days before Christmas, whether out shopping or just out and about, here are some tips that will help to keep you safe.




Keep a close eye on your children.  Don't risk leaving them alone.

 

1.   Get an early start.  Traffic will tend to be quite dense.  Most stores will open as early as 6:00 A. M. to 8:00 A. M.  Leaving out early will help you get a relaxed start with more time to shop.  Drive safe; don’t rush on the road. 

2.   Shop during the day, whenever possible.  If you find that you cannot avoid shopping at night, be sure to take a buddy with you. 

3.   Park in a well lit area and as close to the store as possible.  If a parking valet service is offered, this is a great time to take advantage of it.  An example of valet parking service for shoppers is at Riverchase Galleria, a mall in Hoover, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham.

4.    If your children are shopping with you, keep them in view at all times.  Don’t use toy stores, toy departments, toy aisles, or game arcades as a babysitter.  The reality is, predators may be looking for unattended children to prey upon.  Don’t take the risk. 

5.   Provide teen children, who are more independent, with a cell phone so that you can keep in contact with them while you are shopping in different areas of a store or mall.  Check in, intermittently, to make sure they are safe.  Arrange in advance to meet them back at a designated place at an agreed upon time. 

6.   Ladies, take a purse that has a long strap and can be put over your head and across your body.  This leaves your hands free to better carry packages and keeps your purse safe.  Guys, it is suggested you find another place to carry your wallet instead of your back pocket. Discourage pick-pockets and purse snatchers.  They do exist and this kind of crime is on the rise during the holiday season.

7.   Avoid wearing expensive and excessive jewelry.  This makes you vulnerable and attractive to thieves as a target.    

8.   Be wary of strangers who approach you and ask for donations or for any other reason.  To avoid guilt feelings give at the office, church, or community charities early in the season.  It is the season of giving and caring, but choose to do it in a safe environment.  Taking out your wallet and flashing cash can make you vulnerable to crime.    

9.   Be cautious when using your cell phone.  Cell phones are being snatched from users ears as they walk aimlessly along.  Be observant of your surroundings while using your cell phone.  During this season when thievery is taking place in some of the most unusual ways, cell phones are best used in a safe environment. 

10. Don’t load yourself down with packages; it makes it difficult for you to carry them.  You are more likely to drop things or put them down.  If you take a seat to rest, place your packages in your view.  When packages leave your hands they are vulnerable to thievery.  You are also more likely to leave something behind.

Be cautious when using your cell phone while out shopping.
  Cell phones are prize targets for thieves.  Keep your eyes on your packages.

11. Before you leave the store or mall to return to your car check to see if you have all of your belongings.  Take your car keys out before going outside.  Have them ready to open your car door, quickly.  Put packages in your car and lock your door.  Forgo placing and arranging packages in your trunk, which makes you vulnerable, unless absolutely necessary.

12.  Cash Alerts: Avoid ATMs for cash and make transactions inside the bank during the Holiday Season.  If you must use the ATM, make sure you are in a well lit and safe area, observe those around you, and/or conduct the transaction at a drive-up machine which allows you to stay in your car.  Be cautious of counterfeit bills, usually distributed in forms of 20 dollar bills or 100 dollar bills. They are hard to detect, so examine cash carefully when receiving cash from transactions. 

         Again, planning and being aware of safety is not paranoia, just plain common sense, especially during the holiday season.  Let us remember, to keep our season festive and filled with peace and goodwill, we should all practice safety.



Copyright, Holiday Season Shopping Safety Tips, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 23, 2011, all rights reserved.




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