With the threads just this week by crittermom, icklemiss21, and DixieDarlin about thefts of the season, I sent out this email to a bunch of people in my email list. It never hurts for there to be a reminder that we all need to be careful, especially with the Christmas shopping season coming into full swing. Feel free to "steal"
this to send to your loved ones as a reminder too, and to add to the tips for all of us.
It's really unfortunate that a reminder like this should even have to go out, but unfortunately it is necessary.
While the holidays are a time of giving and kindness for most, it is also a time that brings out the worst in some people. Call it desperation, greed, whatever you want, but the fact is that this is a time of year where we have to be a bit more mindful of ourselves and our possessions.
On the web forum that I'm on, in the last few days alone there have been 3 threads started by victims of theft. One had her credit card/bank card information stolen from an online transaction. One had her wallet stolen in the grocery store. The third's home was broken into, and cash and jewelry was stolen. In light of that, I wanted to send this reminder to people that I care about.
When shopping with a cart, be mindful of what is going on around you, and keep your purse/wallet in front of you and in your hands. Be cautious of people "bumping" into you in a crowded store (that's how the lady's wallet was stolen). Keep an eye on the contents of your cart after you've checked out, and especially in the parking lot when you are loading it into your car. If you turn your back on it, you may be missing a bag or two off the top.
One of the reported crimes last year were people breaking into trunks of cars in mall/store parking lots, looking for bags from other stores to steal. Of course, there is also the danger of carrying bags with you in the mall of someone grabbing the bag(s) and running.
Home safety is always a concern, but even moreso right now. Be sure that the doors are locked whether you are home or not. Don't make it easy on the theives - lock the doors and windows (the majority of home intrusions are through unlocked entries). Don't keep valuables in plain view through the windows/doors.
Keep a list separate from your wallet/computer of your credit card & bank information. Keep account numbers and phone numbers of the issuers to call to cancel the cards. Also know the numbers for the three credit bureaus so you can put a Fraud Alert on your credit if something does get stolen (it's free for 90 days).
Wishing everyone a happy, safe and uneventful holiday season!
It's really unfortunate that a reminder like this should even have to go out, but unfortunately it is necessary.
While the holidays are a time of giving and kindness for most, it is also a time that brings out the worst in some people. Call it desperation, greed, whatever you want, but the fact is that this is a time of year where we have to be a bit more mindful of ourselves and our possessions.
On the web forum that I'm on, in the last few days alone there have been 3 threads started by victims of theft. One had her credit card/bank card information stolen from an online transaction. One had her wallet stolen in the grocery store. The third's home was broken into, and cash and jewelry was stolen. In light of that, I wanted to send this reminder to people that I care about.
When shopping with a cart, be mindful of what is going on around you, and keep your purse/wallet in front of you and in your hands. Be cautious of people "bumping" into you in a crowded store (that's how the lady's wallet was stolen). Keep an eye on the contents of your cart after you've checked out, and especially in the parking lot when you are loading it into your car. If you turn your back on it, you may be missing a bag or two off the top.
One of the reported crimes last year were people breaking into trunks of cars in mall/store parking lots, looking for bags from other stores to steal. Of course, there is also the danger of carrying bags with you in the mall of someone grabbing the bag(s) and running.
Home safety is always a concern, but even moreso right now. Be sure that the doors are locked whether you are home or not. Don't make it easy on the theives - lock the doors and windows (the majority of home intrusions are through unlocked entries). Don't keep valuables in plain view through the windows/doors.
Keep a list separate from your wallet/computer of your credit card & bank information. Keep account numbers and phone numbers of the issuers to call to cancel the cards. Also know the numbers for the three credit bureaus so you can put a Fraud Alert on your credit if something does get stolen (it's free for 90 days).
Wishing everyone a happy, safe and uneventful holiday season!