Holiday Shopping Safety Tips
Ways to Detract Thieves and Ensure You Have a Safe Holiday Shopping Season
The most important safety aspect is parking. If you plan on staying at the mall after it is dark outside, try to get a parking space by the last store you will be shopping at, and make sure it is up-front and as close to your exiting door as possible. Some malls have police sub-stations inside of them with direct entrances to the sub-stations from the outside. Parking near one of these is also a good idea, as many thieves are deterred from the police presence. After you select a space, lock all of you doors and remove any valuables (cd's, change, clothing, etc.) from sight. Try to locate landmarks nearby, and count how many spaces down you are located in that row.
As you walk throughout your shopping excursion, if you must carry a purse, hold on to it tightly on your shoulder, with one arm grasping the strap. Another smart idea to consider is to take out your credit cards that you will need throughout your shopping trip, before you head out and keep them in a pocket. That way should the worst happen, you will still have your credit cards, and will not have to worry about any stolen credit card transactions occurring. The safest route, however, would be to purchase some American Express Traveler's Cheques from your bank and carry them with you. A person can not use them unless a valid ID is presented, so they are of no use to a thief. Should you not spend them during your shopping season, they can also be used to purchase groceries, gas for your automobile, and other items.
After you have finished shopping, there are a few things to do before you walk out to your car. First, call someone and tell them that you are leaving the mall. This is a must even if you are in a group. Next, see if you can combine any of your smaller shopping bags into larger ones. This gives the illusion that you have made less purchases, and that your arms are not incapacitated. You may also want to consider placing your purse inside of the shopping bag to hide it from potential robbers. Finally, have your keys in your hand and ready to open the driver's door, and not the trunk's door.
When you start to approach your vehicle, look around and see if there is anyone sitting in their car. Pretend you are looking at the car across from yours and stand there. This way you have full access to see underneath your car and make sure no one is hiding around or below it. Next, walk over to your car and open it, making sure you take your packages and put them in the passenger's seat, then lock the door after you get in. While many people put their packages in the trunk, this would just give thieves extra time to have you in a vulnerable position, as you would be distracted. If you are already inside of your vehicle, then that is one less chance they have of attacking you. Should the worse happen, and your car is not able to start, do not get out of your vehicle. By having your purchases with you, pull out a receipt and call the store. Ask them for the number to mall security and call them. Provide security with your location and vehicle, and wait for them to come to you. Upon arrival, if they are not able to help, get back in your vehicle and wait for the tow truck to come. It is also advisable should you encounter any mechanical problems, that you call the same person you called earlier before you left the mall and make them aware of the situation.
While we wish it would not happen, thieves are going to prey upon people, especially during this time of year, however, as long as we take steps to deter them and ensure own personal safety, it will be a pleasant shopping season for the millions of holiday shoppers who frequent malls each year.
Published by Aimee E
A.E. has been a professional writer/editor since 2001, and has a BS Degree with a major in Middle Grades Education. A.E. is available for writing/editing assignments by message. View profile
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Ways to Detract Thieves and Ensure You Have a Safe Holiday Shopping Season
Aimee E
Aimee E, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Nov 7, 2006 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
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While many people have gift giving on their minds during the holiday season, safety is an important aspect of the holiday shopping season that is often overlooked. When shopping for gifts, many people become potential easy prey for robberies and carjackings. By following a few simple safety guidelines, shoppers can increase their chances of having a hassle-free holiday shopping season.
The most important safety aspect is parking. If you plan on staying at the mall after it is dark outside, try to get a parking space by the last store you will be shopping at, and make sure it is up-front and as close to your exiting door as possible. Some malls have police sub-stations inside of them with direct entrances to the sub-stations from the outside. Parking near one of these is also a good idea, as many thieves are deterred from the police presence. After you select a space, lock all of you doors and remove any valuables (cd's, change, clothing, etc.) from sight. Try to locate landmarks nearby, and count how many spaces down you are located in that row.
As you walk throughout your shopping excursion, if you must carry a purse, hold on to it tightly on your shoulder, with one arm grasping the strap. Another smart idea to consider is to take out your credit cards that you will need throughout your shopping trip, before you head out and keep them in a pocket. That way should the worst happen, you will still have your credit cards, and will not have to worry about any stolen credit card transactions occurring. The safest route, however, would be to purchase some American Express Traveler's Cheques from your bank and carry them with you. A person can not use them unless a valid ID is presented, so they are of no use to a thief. Should you not spend them during your shopping season, they can also be used to purchase groceries, gas for your automobile, and other items.
After you have finished shopping, there are a few things to do before you walk out to your car. First, call someone and tell them that you are leaving the mall. This is a must even if you are in a group. Next, see if you can combine any of your smaller shopping bags into larger ones. This gives the illusion that you have made less purchases, and that your arms are not incapacitated. You may also want to consider placing your purse inside of the shopping bag to hide it from potential robbers. Finally, have your keys in your hand and ready to open the driver's door, and not the trunk's door.
When you start to approach your vehicle, look around and see if there is anyone sitting in their car. Pretend you are looking at the car across from yours and stand there. This way you have full access to see underneath your car and make sure no one is hiding around or below it. Next, walk over to your car and open it, making sure you take your packages and put them in the passenger's seat, then lock the door after you get in. While many people put their packages in the trunk, this would just give thieves extra time to have you in a vulnerable position, as you would be distracted. If you are already inside of your vehicle, then that is one less chance they have of attacking you. Should the worse happen, and your car is not able to start, do not get out of your vehicle. By having your purchases with you, pull out a receipt and call the store. Ask them for the number to mall security and call them. Provide security with your location and vehicle, and wait for them to come to you. Upon arrival, if they are not able to help, get back in your vehicle and wait for the tow truck to come. It is also advisable should you encounter any mechanical problems, that you call the same person you called earlier before you left the mall and make them aware of the situation.
While we wish it would not happen, thieves are going to prey upon people, especially during the hoildays
Very important article