Black Friday-Holiday Shopping Safety Awareness Tips
Holiday Shopping Season officially begins on Friday, 11-28-08 and is known as BLACK FRIDAY. That name alone should cause you to be a little more cautious as you make your way to the mall or favorite shopping area. Although most people are heading to the mall with the thought of being thankful for what they have and the ability to buy gifts for those they love, there are criminals lurking in and around the mall aiming to take what you have.
Here are a few Holiday Shopping Safety Awareness Tips to keep in mind as you do your shopping and enjoy the holiday festivities over the next twenty-eight days until Christmas. Keep your personal safety and security a priority whether you are at home, shopping, or traveling.
Stay Aware Of Your Surroundings At The Malls, Stores & Shopping Centers
- Be sure when you leave your vehicle that you lock your doors and keep windows closed. If you have an alarm on your vehicle, use it.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Don’t advertise large rolls of money in public. You don’t know who may be watching.
- If using an ATM at the mall, be especially vigilant and aware who may be around you. Try not to make large cash withdrawals. Remember the malls may be extremely crowded and this would be an excellent time for a criminal to catch you off-guard and grab your cash.
- Shop during the daylight hours whenever you can. If shopping at night, try to go with another person. If shopping alone and leaving the mall late at night, ask a security officer to accompany you to your car.
- Always choose a bank with an ATM located in a highly visible, well-lit area. If you notice anyone suspicious approaching, cancel your transaction and leave.
- Avoid using ATM’s where you must go inside the ATM area unless you are with others. This leaves you highly vulnerable to a criminal attack. Use the drive-up ATM whenever possible.
- Don’t leave valuable items inside your car that are visible to others. Place packages in the trunk of your car.
- Avoid carrying too many packages that may make you a target. Make regular trips to your car to drop off packages.
- Keep your purse tucked close to your body at all times. Don’t let it dangle from your shoulder as this may be a perfect setup for a purse-snatcher.
- For men – carry wallets in front pocket rather than back pocket or jacket. Thieves are looking for easy targets as they move through the crowded malls.
- Park only in well-lit parking areas and as close to a mall or store entrance as you can. Don’t settle for an isolated parking spot just because you’re in a hurry. Hold out for a safe spot to open up.
- As you walk through parking lots, make sure you are aware of your surroundings and walk with authority. Don’t look like a victim.
- Don’t be talking on your cell phone as you leave the mall walking to your car. You need to pay close attention to your surroundings and anyone who looks suspicious.
- Approach your car with car keys in hand and survey the exterior and interior of your vehicle before entering. Place your packages in the trunk all the while aware of anyone who may be nearby or approaching you.
- Don’t get into your car if you are being followed or are suspicious of anyone standing near your car. If so, return to the mall or store or where there are other people. Ask for store security assistance.
- Beware alert and aware of strangers who may be approaching you for whatever reason. At this time of year there are “scammers” trying various methods to distract you with the intention of taking your money and belongings.
- Carry some type of personal protection device like a Taser C2, Pepper Spray, Mace, or a Stun Gun. Your safety and those of your family members should be a priority. If a criminal attacks you for your purse or packages, give him your belongings. Your life is more important! If he tries to hurt you or a loved one, use your personal protection to protect yourself and those with you.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season and remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!
January 5th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Great article Cheryl. Lots of great information on this blog folks!! Worth spending some time here!!
Larry
January 5th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Hello Larry, thanks for the really nice comment. Appreciate that. I also used a suggestion of yours on the next posting after this. You had sent it to me - I gave you credit in red. Hope I put your web address - if not check it out and be sure to include.
Thanks again. Have you got a blog set up? If so I need to get setup for your info.
Take care,
Cheryl