The busiest shopping day of the year is just a few days off. Over 150 million shoppers are expected to descend on the nations retailers this Friday.
Shoppers beware! Sprinkled among those millions of bargain hunters will be thousands of criminals picking up gifts at your expense.
The criminal element will consist of thieves, strong-arm robbers, pickpockets, and purse-snatchers who are watching and waiting for just the right moment to make their move.
10 things you can do to get your precious bargains safely home.
1) Don't overload yourself with too many packages. You will make it much easier for a thief to snatch them from you.
2) When walking out to your car have your keys in your hand and focus your attention to the area near your car.
3) If you see anyone loitering in the parking lot you may want to go back into the store or mall and inform security.
4) When leaving a store, especially a computer or electronics store, look behind you to see if anyone has followed you out of the store. Pay particular attention to anyone who is not carrying any packages with them.
5) If you are not driving directly home but intend to continue shopping put your purchases in the trunk. If you are driving a car without a trunk then at least throw something over your packages to conceal them.
6) When driving off after making an expensive purchase like a TV or computer check your rearview mirror to see if your are being followed. Thieves have been known to follow a potential victim home with the intent to break into your house at a future date.
7) Prevent being pick pocketed by keeping your purse close to your body. If you stop at a food court don't sling your bag over the chair behind you. Place it in front of you between your feet.
8) Keep wallets small. Don't take more credit cards or cash than you think you may use. You should carry your wallet inside your coat or in your front pants pocket. You should keep your cash separate from your wallet to limit your loss should your pocket get picked.
9) I.D. Thieves could be standing right behind you. Don't take out your checkbook or I.D. before you have to, and don't set your wallet on the counter when paying with a credit card. Take the credit card out and hold the wallet in your hand.
10) You can stay home and wait until Cyber Monday to do your shopping and avoid the stores and malls all together.
If you must go out this Friday then please stay alert and keep an eye out for criminals looking for a five-fingered-discount.
"Enjoy the article? If you would like to receive email alerts when a new article is available just click the "subscribe" button above."
Comments