Full Notification

The holiday season is upon us, and the busiest shopping days of the year are here. If you are out & about hunting for gifts or grocery shopping for your holiday recipes, remember to keep safety in mind.

Here are some tips for preventing crime when you hit the stores:

• Never leave your valuables unattended (phone, purse, wallet, etc.).
• Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook.  An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
• Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package.  The same applies if you are using mass transit.
• Carry a purse with a zipper. Deter pickpockets by carrying your purse in front of your body and keeping it zipped closed.
• If you carry a wallet, keep it in an inner coat pocket or front pants pocket.
• Do not buy more than you can carry. If you know you will be getting more that you can manage on your own, plan to take a family member with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
• Do not leave anything in your car. If you must leave property in your car, place it in the trunk when you leave & before you get to your destination.
• Once you get home, do not park your car outside your home with shopping bags left inside.

• If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other and select a central meeting place.
• Teach them to know they can ask mall personnel, security or store employees if they need help.
• Keep a current photo of your child in your phone.