During the holiday season, shoppers may be so busy that they fail to be aware of their surroundings. Careless or unaware shoppers are easy pickings for bag-snatchers and street robbers. Scan your immediate area; don’t assume that you are secure because there are people around you. For example, when you are in a parking lot or garage, be alert to anyone who appears to be standing around for no good reason. He or she might be waiting for someone – or that person could be an opportunist waiting to grab your shopping or your handbag.
Here are some other important crime prevention tips to remember during the holiday season, whether you’re on home ground or away on holiday:
Shopping:
– Don’t flash large amounts of cash around, or offer tempting targets for theft such as expensive jewellery or clothing.
– Carry your purse or shoulder bag close to your body, not dangling by straps. Put your wallet in an inside pocket of your coat or front pants pocket.
– Always walk and park in well-lit areas. Park close to the entrance of the store or mall, if possible. When outside the mall, stick to well-lit, well-travelled streets, walkways and parking areas.
– Don’t talk on your cellphone while walking through parking lots and streets. Your phone conversation is a distraction that makes you vulnerable to robbers. Keep your full attention on your surroundings. Also, your cellphone itself can be a tempting target to thieves.
– If you are ready to leave the mall and feel uneasy about entering the parking lot or garage by yourself, stay in the mall and ask for a security escort.
– Don’t fumble for your car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to use when you reach the vehicle.
– Don’t electronically unlock your vehicle until you are within door-opening distance. This helps stop a thief from getting into the vehicle and waiting to strike when you least expect it.
– If you believe someone is following you, cross the street, switch directions, or walk into a store or restaurant. If you are really scared, yell. Don’t be embarrassed. Your safety is more important.
– Do not open your vehicle door to anyone in a parking lot or garage.
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