subject: Shopping Security Tips From Santa [print this page] Shopping Security Tips From Santa Shopping Security Tips From Santa
Safety during Christmas is more than home security. Protect your family and your valuable while holiday shopping.
Holiday season is prime time for robbers and thieves. We usually think of theft in terms of safety at home and home security. However, during the holidays, the malls and shopping centers experience a serious rise in crime. To prove my point, let's start with the man in Denver who, as a favor for a friend, went to his local mall and purchased an Apple IPad for that friend. The man left the Apple Store and was accosted by two men who struggled so violently for the bag that held the IPad, they tore all of the skin off the man's pinky finger. The damage to his finger necessitated partial amputationfor an IPad. Yes, for an IPad. These thieves are just doing their Christmas shopping, after all. How unfortunate for the Denver man that the Ipad was on the thief's Christmas List.
During busy and hectic holiday shopping, robbers and thieves observe and target their victims, following the shoppers, waiting for the most opportune time to steal. It may be your purse or maybe the bags of gifts you set down, just for a second, to try on that beautiful coat you have always wanted. If your purse is behind you or in a backpack, your wallet can be stolen and you won't know until you try and pay for your items or you get home and find the wallet missing.
If shopping for "high-ticket" items such as electronics or jewelry, do not shop alone. And be mindful of your surroundings. Your local mall is continually "cased" by robbers. They might look like a sweet senior citizen or a young, well groomed college student. There is no "robber profile" to watch out for. Thieves come in all shapes and sizes.
Following are some Holiday Shopping Pointers. You have probably heard the suggestions before and there is good reason for that. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of robbers and thieves during "this most wonderful time of the year."
Shop with a friend. Keep an eye out for each other and hold each others packages when necessary.
Leave any unnecessary items usually found in your purse at home. This especially applies to any credit or debit cards that you will not be using. Always have a list of credit cards and numbers handy in the event your wallet is stolen. And keep that list safe and secure at home!
Do not walk around parking lots with large amounts of cash.
While shopping keep your purse or wallet in front where you can see it.
If purchasing "high-ticket" items or if it is dark outside and you are by yourself, do not hesitate to ask a security guard to walk you to your car.
Keep all valuables in your car hidden. Do not put gifts in the trunk of your car if you do not plan on leaving. There is a good chance a robber is watching the parking lot and is just waiting for you to go back inside so he can help himself to your purchases.
Be vigilant . It is wonderful to be full of Christmas cheer and enjoy all of the festivities. Unfortunately, you need to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against someone trying to steal your joy.
Learn more by clicking on our Vulnerability Check List.
