It’s that season! The holidays are upon us, and it is a time for spending time with family and loved ones. It’s also a time to do some shopping! However, an opportunity for your personal shopping also presents an opportunity for criminals to grab your cash, credit cards, purses, or gifts, whether from your person, your vehicle, or your home when you’re not looking. Here are some tips to help with your personal safety this holiday season.
At Home
- Ensure all your doors and windows have secondary locks (deadbolts, window pins, etc.) and use them whenever you are at home.
- Don’t hide spare keys in obvious places like under doormats, in nearby planters, or in mailboxes.
- Make sure all dark areas around your home and its entrances are well lit, or activated by sensors.
- Change your routine so that your movements are not predictable.
- Keep trees and foliage trimmed so they do not block your view of your yard via windows and doorways. This can be used as hiding places for criminals.
- Use caution anytime there is a stranger at your door.
- Be wary or suspicious of any unexpected deliveries or sales calls. Always ask for identification and make note of the vehicles.
- Place your gifts where they cannot be seen through windows and doorways.
- Check your surroundings before leaving your vehicle to enter your house. Keep house and car keys in your hands when exiting or entering your vehicle or home.
- Lock your vehicle and remove all your valuables, even if you are home.
Driving
- Keep all car doors locked and windows closed, especially while stopping at traffic lights.
- Avoid driving alone or at night.
- If stopping for gas or shopping at night, park close to the entrance and in a well-lit area.
- Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running.
- If you feel your vehicle has been tampered with while driving, do not pull over on the road to handle it. If you can make it, drive to the closest police station to check on your car.
- Avoid parking next to vans, trucks, big vehicles that shield your vehicle from view, or cars with tinted windows.
- Locate your keys before walking to your car.
- Do not leave packages or valuables in the seats of your car, or visible to passersby.
- Keep a secured hold on your purse or handbags. Do not place them on the ground or on the top of your vehicle in order to open your door.
- When approaching your vehicle always take note of your surroundings.
- When on public transportation, cover your jewellery. Turn stone rings toward the palm side of your hand.
- Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
- If you feel unsafe, ask shop security to escort you to your vehicle or to watch you.
Shop Smart
- Carry your wallet in your front pocket. Keep purses and handbags in the front of you, and ensure the straps are sturdy.
- If walking on a sidewalk near a street, always walk facing traffic to avoid being surprised by someone in a vehicle.
- Walk in well-lit, highly-traveled streets. Don’t take shortcuts through parking lots or alleys.
- If you feel like you are being followed, abruptly switch directions or duck into a crowded store or business, a police station, hospital or public place and ask for help.
- Store emergency contact numbers in your phone, like a reliable family member or someone you trust, the police or other authorities.
- Avoid talking on your cell phone or listening to music in busy or crowded public places as this makes you distracted and makes you easy prey.
- Change your routine by taking different routes to your destinations.
- When approaching your home or vehicle, have your keys in your hand prior to reaching your door.
- When approaching your parked car, look and make sure no one is hiding in or around your vehicle, especially in the back seat.
- If someone is walking behind you or approaching you and you are unsure of their intent, make direct eye contact with them to let them know you are aware of them.
