Avoid Being a Target at the Mall: There is no denying that the Holidays are here. The further we get into December, the crazier the stores seem to get. After all, this is the time of year when people are on a quest for the perfect gift for their families and friends. We can get so wrapped up in checking gifts off of to-do list that we get tunnel vision without stopping to think about what is going on around us.
Every holiday season we hear about more people getting pick-pocketed, having cars broken into, or being held up in a parking lot. There are ways we can reduce the risk of having this happen to us. When heading out shopping, remember the following:
• A woman should always hold her purse close to her body. Try to carry a purse that zips on top and keep the zipper opening facing forward. A man should keep his wallet in the front pock of his pants.
• Wear your purse across your body so it lays flat against you. If you have a handbag with short handles, hold it close to your body and have a secure grip on it.
• Do not hang your purse from the back of your chair when eating at the food court or at a restaurant. It is safer to place it on your lap, between your feet, or hang it from your knee.
• Try not to call attention to yourself. Dress comfortably and try not to wear expensive jewelry.
• When using the restroom, choose one in a high traffic area like the food court. Try to avoid going into a tucked-away restroom.
• Try to consolidate your purchases into one or two bags.
• When leaving the mall, always have your keys in hand and be aware of your surroundings while walking to your car. Check to make sure that there is no one hiding in your back seat.
• If you are shopping alone at night, ask a security guard to escort you to your car.
• Try to park in a well-lit spot that is close to the entrance, or by a place where there will always be people around.
• If you need to place purchases in your car and continue shopping, you should place them in your trunk where they will not be visible to thieves. You are more likely to have someone break your car window if you leave bags in your backseat out in the open.
• When purchasing a big ticket item, such as electronics, you should head home immediately after purchasing it. Pay attention to vehicles around or behind you while driving home to make sure you are not followed and become a potential target for a future break-in.
• If you need to withdraw money from a mall ATM, have your card in your hand and be aware of what is going on around you. If you encounter anything suspicious, cancel the transaction and walk away.
• Never leave your receipt in the ATM. Always take it with you and check it against your bank statement.
The more prepared you are, the safer you will be this holiday season and your only problem will be finding parking!