Staying Safe During Holiday Shopping

Black Friday is a time for crimes of opportunity. Spend a few minutes to consider these safety tips from law enforcement officials to avoid becoming a victim.

• Ladies, carry your purses tucked tightly under your arms.
• Gentlemen, keep your wallets and necessary cards in your front pants pockets where it is harder for pickpockets to get at them
• Don’t park in secluded or dark areas of the parking lot.
• Note where you are parked. A surprising number of people forget where they've left their cars and either report them stolen or wander in search of them.
• Be patient and courteous while parking. Crowds are likely and tempers may be short. Avoid getting into a rage incident or fender bender.
• Don’t leave packages in plain view in your vehicle. Put them in your trunk.
• If you schedule deliveries and may not be home, arrange to have packages sent to a neighbor who will be home. Or have deliveries sent to your workplace, if that is allowed.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
• When you get home, remember that approximately half of all burglars enter the house through unlocked or open doors and/or windows. Keep all doors, including your garage door, closed and locked.
• Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside. Why create temptation?