Playing It Safe While Shopping For The Holidays

The winter holiday season is almost upon us and is invariably a busy time of the year for everyone including crooks. Many are caught up in the particulars of their holiday preparations and shopping. Holiday shoppers are running from store to store often carrying large amounts of money and loaded down with packages. 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. Becoming the unfortunate victim of a crime can certainly destroy anyone's Christmas cheer.

The FBI reports that criminal activity increases during December. Crimes such as burglaries, muggings, car thefts, robberies, pick pocketing, credit card scams, etc. It's important that you don't forget about all the safety precautions you are normally mindful of while caught up in the excitement and anticipation of Christmas. Criminals will be on the look out for someone they can catch off guard.

The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the shopping season for the holidays. As you begin that holiday shopping, you might want some advice on how to avoid becoming an easy mark for criminals. Don't forget these tips are relevant at other times of the year too.

PARKING LOT SAFETY TIPS

Trying to stay safe while you are shopping for Christmas can be a little difficult. 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. When you leave your car be sure to lock it. Look around to familiarize yourself with the area. Note what row you parked in and the spot number too. This will make it easier to find your car when you return.

Take a companion along when you shop. This will lessen your chances of being targeted by an attacker or mugger. If you have no choice but to shop alone, then try to walk with other shoppers through the parking lot.

SHOPPING MALL SAFETY

While shopping inside it is a good idea to avoid dark hallways and stockrooms, 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.

Be constantly guarded and vigilant as you move through crowds. Look out for people you do not know who deliberately bumps, jostles or gets too close as these may be diversions for pickpockets who try to steal your wallet. While you are at it, you might want to keep a close eye on your shipping bags and other personal property too. Always keep your purse close by. Never leave it unattended in the shopping cart. It's not a good idea to keep your wallet, credit cards, or cash in your back pocket or a backpack. These are places pickpockets find it easy to get at without being noticed. As an alternative, carry them in your front pockets.

It's not a good idea to carry large amounts of cash around. Whenever you can, try to pay for your purchases with checks, credit cards, or debit cards. 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. Make your most expensive purchases last so you can head straight home afterward.

Try not to overload yourself with packages when it is time to return to your car. Combine smaller ones with one or two larger packages, or make several trips to your car. If you are overburdened, you won't be able to see who may be approaching and it could prevent you from quickly responding to a threat.

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. When you approach your car wait until you get closer to use your remote to unlock it. Unlocking your car from a distance could alert a would-be attacker which vehicle is yours. He could then race ahead and be waiting for you arrive. 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.

Once inside of your vehicle, you should lock your doors right away and then drive off. Don't sit there to check off your list or write purchases into your checkbook ledger. Do that later when you are at home. Doing so gives an attacker the time he needs to walk up to your car and force his way inside, especially if you didn't lock your doors.

An additional precaution you may to consider is to carry a personal alarm. This small device is perfect for drawing attention to yourself if you should ever need to.

They are easily carried on your wrist or key chain and will emit a loud annoying noise when activated. An attacker will not like that kind of attention. He will stop his assault and go away.

Abiding by the safety advice outlined above will help your holiday season to be a merry one.