The holiday season is in full swing, and with the holiday season comes holiday shopping. With busy holiday shopping, many people become careless or more vulnerable, and consequently, crimes such as thefts, burglaries, break-ins and muggings increase this time of year. Safety Girl wants you to stay protected by following these simple holiday shopping tips:
- Staying alert is one of the most powerful actions you can take to preventing yourself from becoming a victim to holiday shopping crime. Pay attention to your surroundings in and around your car and all around you
while your shopping. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately to the shopping center’s security or to the police.
- Stay safe in and around your car by parking in a well-lit area. Check behind and around the passenger side of your car before you enter your car. Have your keys in hand when approaching your car so you’re not sifting through your purse to find them. Keys also make a powerful impromptu self-defense tool.
- Protect your car from a break-in by making it unattractive to criminals. Don’t leave anything in your car, if possible. If you must, store valuables in the glove compartment or console, and store any shopping purchases in your trunk.
- Shop during daylight, if possible, and take a friend or family member along with you. Individuals are much more vulnerable to criminal activity than groups of people.
- Keep your belongings safe by carrying them in a purse with a strap that fits across your body so that your bag is under your arm. Make sure that your purse has a secure–preferably zipper top–so criminals cannot reach into your bag. Store your wallet in an inner purse pocket.
- Keep your money safe by carrying as little cash as possible. Try to carry only one or two credit cards, as well, and pay for most of your purchases on those cards. Thinning out your wallet will make it less attractive to criminals and will also lessen your loss in the event that your wallet is stolen.
Safety Girl Blog 