Common Sense Tips For Staying Safe This Holiday Season
Posted: Friday, November 27, 2009
by Abigail Richards
Burglary and thefts already seem to be widespread this holiday season. It has been a particular difficult month for several friends and family as they saw their financial well being wiped out by criminals.
As the holiday shopping begins, our minds are not always at their sharpest, which can lead to some scary situations. Just recently, my brother's subdivision has become a target for criminals taking advantage of the feeling of security in the neighborhood.
Do not leave valuables out in the open of your car.
I have to admit, I leave my purse in the car a lot. Of course, we also joke that the poor criminal who steals it will end up just with more debt. The criminals, in this case, wiped out their entire bank account and savings before the bank canceled the cards in the morning. During the holidays, make sure packages and gifts are out of sight to the casual walker by. You never know when temptation can give in to someone desperate.
Use your credit card for all purchases.
I know with financial difficulties, economists say not to, but out of safety, use it. Pay off the entire amount or use a bank credit card, but do not carry cash or use your debit card. Recently, one of my close friends lost their entire account, because she used her debit card. Thieves are high tech now with mini cameras on ATMs or working for retail chains watching you use your pin number. My friend had her purse stolen and the criminal used her PIN number to wipe out her entire account. In these cases, the thief had to be watching her. Since that instance, she has had her car broken in and $600 in cash taken away.
Credit cards have theft protection and money can be replaced. Cash can not and using the debit card gives them permission to your account.
Be aware of your surroundings
When going in and out of stores, be aware of your surroundings. Always look people in the eye, do not walk in a store looking down or not paying attention to those around you. Keep your purse strap on the shoulder facing the parked cards. My mother-in-law was once dragged at a mall because she wore her purse on the shoulder facing the lane where cars exited. A thief drove beside her reached out the window and went to snatch her purse. She held on and was dragged by a car. Always put packages up first then kids. No possession is worth more then your life on your kids' life.
Never Shop Alone
Just like running in the park, never be alone. Thieves look for easy victims and if you are by yourself, you make an easy victim. Enlist a friend for some girl time, force your husband to endure the pain or create a shopping/play group. The bigger the numbers, the less chance of something happening.
These are just a few tips to make you a little safer this holiday season. Pray for those who have already fallen victim to thieves this holiday season. Be aware and be safe!
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)I haven't been shopping with someone else in eons... to long a list when I do go into town and I am blessed to be able to see someone else for lunch... I do watch traffic in parking lots and never, ever park next to a van.... I think what you suggested is ideal but not practical. I never shop at night without Mick though. Marijo
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