With the craziness of Black Friday and Holiday shopping, please be cautious and
aware at all times while you are out. Additional safety tips can be found here.
- Don't leave any valuables in your vehicle; clean out your car before heading out to shop.
- Lock all packages in the trunk when you leave a store, before heading to the next one. If you wait to put your purchases in your trunk when you arrive at the next store, thieves in the parking lot could see you putting the packages in your trunk and target your vehicle after you have gone in to shop.
- If you have a vehicle that doesn't have a trunk, put shopping bags on the floor and toss a blanket over them so they are not in plain sight.
- If you have a pickup, be sure to keep the tailgate and bedcover locked.
- Avoid carrying a bulky purse; try putting just your ID and the cards/cash you will need in your pockets.
- If you must carry a purse, don't put it in a shopping cart. Keep it closed and close to you at all times.
- If you must put your purse in the shopping cart, don't use the "baby seat." Instead, put it down in the cart and cover it with the items you are going to purchase. When you get to the checkout, you can put those items up first and your purse will be ready for you to use. BE SURE TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR SHOPPING CART AT ALL TIMES IF YOU HAVE A PURSE IN IT.
- Never leave a purse or wallet in your vehicle.
- If you are purchasing high dollar items, try to plan your shopping so you can take these items home and lock them up before continuing to the next store.
- Have your keys ready in hand before leaving a store. Purse snatchers and thefts from your bags can happen when you are distracted and searching for your keys.
- Thefts can also happen while your back is turned as you are loading your purchases into your vehicle. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
