Holiday Shopping - Stay Safe!

With holidays amongst us it’s a time for celebration with family and friends. Unfortunately, with this time of year also comes the criminal type. We have all been in situations where we are running around doing last minute shopping gifts for everyone we love, we also might tend to forget to keep close attention to our surroundings!  Very important to stay focused to what's going on around you.

WHILE SHOPPING

When parking your vehicle, try to stay in the well lit areas if available and where a lot of people are walking around.

Always lock and roll windows up on your vehicle, hide all valuables such as loose change, GPS Units, cell phones, stereos, etc. A much greater chance your vehicle will be broken into if you leave these items in plain view.

If you are hopping from one store to the other and have already purchased items, make sure you lock them in the trunk of your vehicle. You should preferably place them in the trunk while leaving the current store, prior to getting to the next so no one sees this and tries to open your trunk when you walk away from the vehicle.

When you may be waiting to be picked up make sure you stay in well lit and busy areas.

Never leave small children in a vehicle alone, not for one second. Carjacking has become quite popular all over the USA. Make sure your children have a good understanding of what to do in the event you get separated. Children should go to a clerk or cashier’s area for help. They should never go to the parking lot by themselves.
Purchasing a video recorder for your vehicle could be the best money spent in the event you are robbed or your vehicle is stolen.

While ATM cards are now equipped to be used as a credit/debit card, this is your best option for making purchases. Criminals who are seeking out their next victim are looking for the people who are showing large amounts of money.

Make sure you are carrying your purse close to your body and holding on tight. It’s best if you are carrying a wallet to keep it in your front pocket.

IMMEDIATELY REPORT ANY LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS TO THE POLICE!