The winter holidays is a busy season for everyone including criminals. Many are caught up in the particulars of their holiday preparations and shopping. Consumers are running from place to place with large amounts of cash in their wallets and loaded down with packages more so at this time of year than any other. Sorry to say crooks will also be out looking for their next victim. The holiday season is not the time to let your guard down. Being the unfortunate prey of crime can quickly wreck your holiday mood.
According to the FBI, crime incidents become more frequent during this particular time of the year. Burglaries, muggings, car thefts, robberies, pick pocketing, credit card scams and crimes at ATMs all increase during the month of December. Often the safety precautions we may normally take are forgotten as the anticipation and excitement of the Yuletide season causes us to let our guard down. Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, remember to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Criminals will often target those who are distracted and aren’t paying attention.
When you head out to the shopping malls after your Thanksgiving feast keep the following safety tips in mind. Remember these tips are useful all year long too.
PARKING LOT SAFETY
Staying safe while shopping for the holiday can be a bit trying at times. This is because there are fewer daylight hours in the daytime. Shoppers often arrive at that mall while it is yet day only to find it has gotten dark outside when they leave. Often they don’t think about that and aren’t very picky about where they park.
Because parking lots fill up quickly this time of year, it might be harder to find a good parking spot. Look for one that has plenty of light and lots of pedestrian traffic around. Avoid parking in remote areas if at all possible and don’t forget to lock your vehicle when you leave. Become familiar with the area where you parked. Take a mental note of the row and number so you can easily find your car when you return.
Try to shop with a buddy whenever you can. Doing so will reduce your chances of being attacked or mugged. If you have to shop alone, try walking near other pedestrians in the parking lot. Be sure to stay in well-lit areas as you walk and be alert to your surroundings at all time. It’s best to steer clear of areas where you notice people are loitering. Walk quickly to the mall and don’t meander.
SAFETY IN THE MALL
While you are inside the mall don’t go near dark hallways or backroom areas, especially at closing time. Don’t use a bathroom facility that is located in a back passageway. It is best to use one near the food court or other high traffic area of the mall.
Always be cautious and alert when walking in crowded places. Beware of strangers who bump, shove or get too close. Pickpockets may use these diversions to lift your wallet. Keep a close eye on your shopping bags and other personal belongings. Carry your purse firmly near your body and never leave it unattended in the shopping cart. Do not keep your wallet, credit cards or cash in your back pocket or a backpack. Pickpockets can quickly and easily remove these items without being detected. Carry these items in your front pockets instead.
Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you. Try to make your purchases using a personal check, credit card, or ATM card if you can. At the times when you do pay using cash, pull out only what you need. Keep the rest of your cash hidden away so bystanders can see how much you are carrying. Regardless of the time of year, it is never a good idea to carry large amounts of cash with you. Try to save your most costly purchases for last, so you can head straight home afterward.
When you are ready to go back to your car, don’t be overloaded with packages. Combine as many of them as you can into fewer packages or make several trips to your car. Carrying too many packages will hinder your view and you won’t be able to move quickly to avoid being attacked.
Always have your car keys ready to avert having to search for them in your purse or pocket when you reach your vehicle. Look over your shoulder periodically to make sure you are not being followed back to your car. As you draw near to your vehicle wait until you are almost upon it before using your fob to unlock it. Unlocking it too early could possibly inform a would-be assailant which car is yours. He could then hurry on ahead to reach your car before you and wait for your arrival. When you arrive at your vehicle be sure to look into the back seat before you get in to make sure no one is hiding inside.
Don’t leave your valuables and packages inside your vehicle in plain sight. It is best to put them into your trunk where they are hidden from view. Failure to do so could be cause for someone to break into your car and take your belongings.
When you get inside your car, lock your doors without delay and then drive away. Don’t sit there to check off your list or write purchases into your checkbook ledger. Do that later when you are at home. Waiting around creates the ideal opportunity for an attacker to get inside your car, particularly if you didn’t lock your doors.
Another precaution you may to consider using is to carry a personal alarm. This small device is perfect for drawing attention to yourself if you should ever need to. It is easily carried on your wrist or key chain. When activated it will emit a loud annoying sound designed to get noticed by others. An attacker won’t this and will leave you alone.
Following these safety tips will help make your holiday a happy and joyous occasion.
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