The holiday season is now upon us. It’s the time of year to shop for friends and loved ones. Personal security may be the last thing on your mind, but it’s never more important. The National Protective Services, Inc. team of security professionals wants you to have a safe and enjoyable shopping experience. These helpful tips will help you stay safe and shop worry-free this holiday season.
Parking Lot Safety
Whenever possible shop during daylight hours. However, that is not always feasible during these busy times with ever shortening daylight hours. If you must shop after dark, shop with a friend or family member. Try to park as close to your destination as possible in a well-lit area. When traveling between multiple destinations secure your packages in your trunk, out of site. Never leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows. Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children or pets inside.
It is also helpful to have your keys handy before entering the parking lot. Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag, and shopping bags. Do not put them down or on the top of the car in order to open the door. When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings and do not approach or exit your car alone if there are suspicious people around. When in doubt ask security for an escort before leaving your shopping location. Lock your doors as soon as you enter your vehicle. Consider purchasing a personal keychain alarm, such as the SABRE Personal Alarm for added security.
Shopping Vigilance
While shopping avoid wearing expensive jewelry that may draw a thief’s attention. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Avoid carrying a purse, if possible, or carry a crossbody purse, and always keep it zipped shut. Don’t overload yourself with packages, especially when crossing a parking lot. Criminals often target people with their hands full, as they are less likely to be paying attention to their surroundings and less able to defend themselves.
Be wary of strangers approaching you for any reason. Scam artists will often work to distract someone while a partner steals their wallet, holiday packages or personal information. Whenever possible, pay for your purchases with a credit or debit card. Be careful not to enter your PIN while someone is standing nearby. If you must use an ATM, always be sure to choose one located inside or in a well-lit area.
Online Retail Safety
Online shopping is a convenient way to make your holiday gift giving a bit easier, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t criminals waiting in the virtual world, too. Be sure any site you shop from is a site you know and trust. Before you make a purchase, look for customer reviews to see how the merchant served other customers. Look for a physical business address or customer service phone number you can call to verify the site is for a legitimate business.
Always use a credit card, rather than a debit card, when making an online purchase. Credit cards have greater consumer protections than debit cards, or consider using a third party payment service, such as Google Pay, to ensure your payment information remains secure. Click here for more Tips for Safe Online Shopping.