Shopping Safety

Shopping

• Be aware of your surroundings. Look for suspicious persons, etc. when you are in any area.
• Remember where you parked your car. While this may sound elementary, many shopping areas are spread out over large areas. Being unable to locate a car can cause you undue confusion and stress that may present you as a better target to a criminal.
• If shopping late in the day or after dark, park in an area that is well lighted. Keep in mind, if you are shopping at a mall, the time the store closes from which you enter the mall, as some stores close earlier than others. This may keep you from having to walk unnecessary distances to your car if you find the store has closed earlier than you expected.
• Shop in pairs at the very least. Take a friend or family member shopping with you. There is something to be said for safety in numbers.
• As you return to your car, make sure to keep your car key in your hand.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with checks, credit, charge or debit cards. Carry cash and wallets in a front pocket to reduce your chances of having your pocket picked.
• Don't leave car phones, purses, CD cases, or any other item of value in your parked car where they can be seen. Always conceal these items.
• Don't leave purchased merchandise in your parked car where it can be seen. Conceal these items also.
• Holiday shopping is notorious for higher levels of criminal activity
• Keep your purse on you, not in a shopping cart
• Be aware of what you, and your children are wearing- identification- colors –gangs
• Changing rooms and restrooms, keep valuables off the floor where people can grab them
• Don’t get distracted
• Don’t leave any place alone, walk with someone, even if you don’t know them
• Try to only have one arm full of bags, the other should be free for your keys or defense
• Get an escort form the store at night