Posts
The Christmas season is a very busy time of year for everyone, especially for criminals. With the holiday season upon us, most people are preoccupied with the details of holiday planning and shopping. Many shoppers are out and about running errands, carrying more money and packages than during other times of the year. Unfortunately criminals view the holiday season as a time of opportunity. This is not a time to forget that criminals will also be out and about looking for easy targets to make a big score. Nothing can ruin your Christmas spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime.
The FBI reports that criminal activity increases during December. Crimes such as burglaries, muggings, car thefts, robberies, pick pocketing, credit card scams, etc. Remember to be vigilantly follow all the safety measures you normal do when it's not the holiday season. 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. Remember this advice is helpful year round as well.
SAFETY IN THE PARKING LOT
Staying safe while shopping for the holiday can be a bit trying at times. This is because there are fewer daylight hours in the daytime. Shoppers often arrive at that mall while it is yet day only to find it has gotten dark outside when they leave. Often they don't think about that and aren't very picky about where they park.
Parking lots fill up quickly this time of year which makes it harder to find a decent spot. Try to find one that is in a well-lit area with lots of foot traffic. Don't park in secluded areas if you can help it. 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.
Try to shop with a buddy whenever you can. Doing so will reduce your chances of being attacked or mugged. If you have to shop alone, try walking near other pedestrians in the parking lot. Be sure to stay in well-lit areas as you walk and be alert to your surroundings at all time. It's best to steer clear of areas where you notice people are loitering. Walk quickly to the mall and don't meander.
SAFETY IN THE MALL
While shopping inside it is a good idea to avoid dark hallways and stockrooms, especially at closing time. Be sure to only use bathrooms that are located in high traffic areas of the mall such as the food court.
Be careful and on guard when walking in 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. Keep your purse close to your body and never leave it unwatched 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. Pickpockets can swiftly with easy get at these items without being caught. 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. When you do have to pay with cash only pull out what is needed. Keep the rest of your money hidden from view. Make your most expensive purchases last so you can head straight home afterwards.
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.
It's best to have your car keys ready and in hand when you reach your vehicle to prevent having to search for them. You may also want to check if you are being followed to your car too. 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. Before you get into your car scan the back seat and other areas where an attacker might hide to make sure it is safe to do so.
Place your packages in the trunk out of sight. Do this when you first get to your car, rather than waiting until you park at your next stop. Gifts and other valuables should never be left in clear view this would provide thieves a reason to break into your vehicle while you are shopping.
When you get inside your car, lock your doors without delay and then drive away. Don't sit there to check off your list or write purchases into your checkbook ledger. Do that later when you are at home. Waiting around creates the ideal opportunity for an attacker to get inside your car, particularly if you didn't lock your doors.
As one more added precaution you may want to consider carrying a personal alarm. A personal alarm is the perfect self-defense device for drawing attention to you. These small, inexpensive items are easily carried and emit such a loud and obnoxious noise, that should you encounter an attacker, he would most likely search for a quieter victim.
Following these safety tips will help make your holiday a happy and joyous occasion.
The FBI reports that criminal activity increases during December. Crimes such as burglaries, muggings, car thefts, robberies, pick pocketing, credit card scams, etc. Remember to be vigilantly follow all the safety measures you normal do when it's not the holiday season. 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. Remember this advice is helpful year round as well.
SAFETY IN THE PARKING LOT
Staying safe while shopping for the holiday can be a bit trying at times. This is because there are fewer daylight hours in the daytime. Shoppers often arrive at that mall while it is yet day only to find it has gotten dark outside when they leave. Often they don't think about that and aren't very picky about where they park.
Parking lots fill up quickly this time of year which makes it harder to find a decent spot. Try to find one that is in a well-lit area with lots of foot traffic. Don't park in secluded areas if you can help it. 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.
Try to shop with a buddy whenever you can. Doing so will reduce your chances of being attacked or mugged. If you have to shop alone, try walking near other pedestrians in the parking lot. Be sure to stay in well-lit areas as you walk and be alert to your surroundings at all time. It's best to steer clear of areas where you notice people are loitering. Walk quickly to the mall and don't meander.
SAFETY IN THE MALL
While shopping inside it is a good idea to avoid dark hallways and stockrooms, especially at closing time. Be sure to only use bathrooms that are located in high traffic areas of the mall such as the food court.
Be careful and on guard when walking in 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. Keep your purse close to your body and never leave it unwatched 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. Pickpockets can swiftly with easy get at these items without being caught. 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. When you do have to pay with cash only pull out what is needed. Keep the rest of your money hidden from view. Make your most expensive purchases last so you can head straight home afterwards.
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.
It's best to have your car keys ready and in hand when you reach your vehicle to prevent having to search for them. You may also want to check if you are being followed to your car too. 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. Before you get into your car scan the back seat and other areas where an attacker might hide to make sure it is safe to do so.
Place your packages in the trunk out of sight. Do this when you first get to your car, rather than waiting until you park at your next stop. Gifts and other valuables should never be left in clear view this would provide thieves a reason to break into your vehicle while you are shopping.
When you get inside your car, lock your doors without delay and then drive away. Don't sit there to check off your list or write purchases into your checkbook ledger. Do that later when you are at home. Waiting around creates the ideal opportunity for an attacker to get inside your car, particularly if you didn't lock your doors.
As one more added precaution you may want to consider carrying a personal alarm. A personal alarm is the perfect self-defense device for drawing attention to you. These small, inexpensive items are easily carried and emit such a loud and obnoxious noise, that should you encounter an attacker, he would most likely search for a quieter victim.
Following these safety tips will help make your holiday a happy and joyous occasion.
About the Author:
For more information on self defense products, security devices, or personal alarms visit www.a1selfdefenseproducts.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment