On the chance that some of my readers have not yet completed their Christmas shopping, I thought I’d post my shopping safety tips:
• Only carry the cash and credit cards you will actually need. Keep what you need in a pocket, purse, or pouch with at least one layer of clothing over it. For example, you can keep your credit card in a front shirt pocket with a pullover sweater over it. If you aren’t an easy target, pickpockets will pass you by.
• Never let a store clerk take your credit card out of your sight.
• Keep your receipts separate from your bags. If bags get stolen, you’ll know exactly what was in them and how much things cost. This is very helpful for the police report and the insurance claim.
• If you are shopping at several stores in a mall, pick up the largest thing at the end of your visit so you don’t have to store it in the car. If you need to pick it up earlier, many stores and malls offer a holiday package check. Use it.
• Bags being stolen from cars is a common crime around the holidays. Do NOT use your car for overnight storage. If you must store gifts in the car during a shopping trip, put them in the trunk or otherwise out of sight. No one is fooled by the blanket in the back seat.
• Many malls offer free escorts from the mall to your car. Take advantage of them.
If you follow these basic tips and pay attention to your surroundings, you can reduce the likelihood that you will be a victim.