The holiday season is a time when people can become vulnerable to theft and other crimes. People are often rushing to buy gifts, decorating homes and travelling to visit family and friends. With the increase in the amount of people that are out shopping at the malls and grocery stores – parking lots are becoming packed, car seats are filled up with bags and the lines at ATMs are a little longer for cash gifts. Unfortunately, the bad guys use the holiday season to find easy targets. And, the theft and other crimes happen so quickly that people don’t feel it happen to them, in the case of being pickpocketed, or realize something they might have done caused this to happen. Unfortunately, through the hustle and bustle and festive moods, people do become careless without noticing and often, the sense of caution temporarily goes away – in the example of going to the car and placing bags in the back seat because the trunk is full.
Thieves, now more than ever, are becoming invisible – in the shopping malls and online. They are able to move through big crowds of rushed, distracted people and grab things out of bags because they weren’t zipped or held close enough to the body and online, fake websites are being used to prey on those who are looking for a good deal. The holiday shopping experience should be joyous and we’d like to make sure you’re prepared when shopping.
Here are some tips to help keep the holiday shopping safe, in stores and online.
Shopping in Stores:
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Do not buy more than you can carry. When shifting bags around to try and carry them all, a bag may be left for a thief to grab. Try to plan ahead by taking someone along to help.
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Save all receipts and keep them together to verify all holiday credit card purchases.
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When checking out and paying with a credit card, wait to take it out until asked. As noted, thieves are invisible and are blending in with the crowd. So, one might be standing in line looking over shoulders to get that card information.
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When headed to the parking lot, have the keys in hand when approaching the vehicle and be sure to check the back seat and around the car.
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Do not leave bags in site in the vehicle. Lock all bags in the trunk.
Shopping Online:
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Before shopping, secure computers by updating the security software. All computers should have anti-virus, anti-spyware as well as a firewall installed.
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Keep all personal information private and passwords secure. If a request appears to verify passwords or credit card information, do not respond unless you initiated that contact. Legitimate online businesses will not contact you in this manner.
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Shop with companies you know and trust. Check the business background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.
As always, if there are any questions or additional tips needed, please contact your local law enforcement. I’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving and holiday season!
Source: National Crime Prevention Council (ncpc.org)
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